It's time to talk.
The topic of the climate change is one that certainly gets lots of attention, but is it being talked about enough where it counts? The challenge we face is an age-old one, human beings don’t like change! Even if the reason is understood and the urgency felt it still fails to translate into meaningful action, bar for the few. When it comes to changing the way we DO business, which is what is required to see a significant effect, it is going to require a change in behaviour, processes, and “the way we do things”. If this process is not given enough time, attention and space, then most action that is taken will often be ignored or worse, resisted.
An untapped resource:
Hidden behind the computer screens in accounts, or behind the production machines, or behind the broom cleaning the floor, lie people with some great ideas just waiting for a safe place to share them. We often look elsewhere for ideas but ignore the pool of experience right in our own company. Especially when it comes to how we can work smarter, more efficiently and ultimately more sustainable. Creating employee engagements that start the conversation around how we can be more sustainable, is worth every moment.
From Flaming Hot Cheetos to air conditioners that distil drinkable water, when empowered to think outside of the box, employees within companies are sometimes the best source of new ideas. Giving employees the freedom to think about the companies they work for critically and creatively not only helps them feel more engaged but also creates a company culture where they feel heard, appreciated and able to develop within their careers. Inventions such as the post-it note, the Teabag and baby powder to name a few more.
Facilitation
Creating the right environment for conversation is essential to success. These ‘Talking sessions’ can often be treated with suspicion. The best output from these is when a facilitator is engaged and has the skill to draw ideas out while creating a safe place for comment. Scepticism is the enemy of these ventures and this needs to be treated with care. Changing the way we have done things for years can’t be undone in a few hours. These conversations need to be part of a regular plan in any sustainability project.
My experience
After years of introducing new technology to companies for energy efficiency, I have come to realise that you have to say the same thing a number of times and usually in a number of different ways before it is heard and understood. Many times I have had great meetings where people have nodded approval and seemingly understood, only to find that a few weeks go by and it is as if you were talking about this for the first time. The old adage is true – ‘to go fast one must learn to go slow’. Before engaging in anything new or looking to introduce any new tech, be sure to talk, talk, talk…it will save you time I promise.
The challenge
Create a safe place to engage your teams, staff, and employees around the topic of sustainability. Get them talking. No idea is stupid! Talk more, act less, but when you do act it will be far more successful.