Sustainability Advantage

Sustainability means different things to different companies, and it should as size of company and industry will most definitely play a role in the definition. However, there are commonalities to sustainability that apply to every business, and it is a profitable proven business strategy when implemented effectively. It creates a competitive business advantage while positively impacting the environment and your future ability to do business.

It all begins with alignment. When the core components of any organization are aligned, it leads to profitability, loyal customers, long-term growth, and Systems Thinking which are all important measurable business outcomes. This model is a great way to illustrate the importance and business value of alignment. The three core business components that should always be in alignment are: People, Process, and the Environment.

When the components are not aligned and the People area stands alone, companies have a tendency to focus on solving problems, putting out fires, and reacting to challenges as they arise.

When the Processes are not aligned and there is no strategic focus, a departmental mentality starts to bubble to the surface. Variation starts to creep in and each department tends to focus on their own self-interest in lieu of process efficiency and effectiveness resulting in a silo-oriented attitude.

When organizations focus solely on Environmental issues apart from their strategic direction they are often doing so merely to comply with regulations or standards set by some governing body. “They have to,” so compliance is viewed as an expense. Or perhaps even worse, they are giving the concept of sustainability lip service because customers and stakeholders are beginning to grumble.

However, as the components start to align, you can see how alignment in the areas of People and Process can create innovation. The organization begins to prevent problems, looks for ways to do things faster, and promotes interdepartmental teams and employee loyalty.

As Process and Environment begin to intersect, it immediately creates departmental alignment, more efficiency within the supply chain, and promotes an environment of Systems Thinking.

As the areas of People and Environment come together, it creates employee engagement, proactive decision making, and fosters a commitment that sustainability is part of the overall culture. This will positively enhance profitability.

Are the core components of People, Process, and Environment in alignment in organization? How do you know?

If your organization is currently out of alignment, how much business might you be leaving on the table? How many customers could you be losing?

What business outcomes and objectives would you achieve if your business were consistently operating in alignment?

Human Resource Professionals interested in helping their companies design, develop, implement, or manage a Sustainability Plan.

The objectives of the presentation are to explain the definition of Sustainability, discuss the benefits of a properly aligned Sustainability Plan, and review the three critical business components to a Sustainability Plan: People, Processes, and Environment. Participants will receive a road map to begin their Sustainability Planning.

The Sustainability Advantage by Bob Willard; The Next Sustainability Waive, by Bob Willard; A Common Sense Approach to Sustainability, by Tammy S Kohl

		Dave Gregory Inspired Performance Solutions, Inc. View Profile

		Lee Pemberton Inspired Performance Solutions, Inc. View Profile