While empathy is externally focused, another key leadership attribute, emotional intelligence, is internally focused.

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However, most of these companies, even those with terrific externally focused scouts, still have a cumbersome approval process that is misaligned with the stated externalization goals.

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While this externally-focused CSR function has filled an important role, it has run its course.

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"We want to transform the company from a make-and-sell company to a sense-and-respond, externally-focused company, " says Brad Ross , who runs the so-called "Order to Delivery" program.

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And Eric, of course, is focused externally, on the government partnerships, government relations and partnership outreaches.

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