Strategy and hands-on execution methods
You’ve carried out your analysis, set out your sustainability strategy in a central document and implemented a system for collecting the non-financial data you need. You might even have published your first corporate sustainability report. All you have to do now is actually execute your strategy. What concrete steps does your company have to take to achieve its goals? How can you support those responsible and embed motivation throughout the company?
I can help here too, supporting your sustainability project
owners in executing your strategy, helping to identify quick wins and
overcoming any hurdles with the help of tried-and-tested methodologies.
I can also join your team on a temporary basis to create
structures that are tailored specifically to your company.
Partnering for success
Have you ever considered taking part in a scientific
research project or even starting one yourself?
In my experience, these kinds of projects are hugely
rewarding, providing valuable insights and expanding your networks across the
industry.
Let me put my long-term contacts to work for you. I can help
you find suitable collaborative partners or bring your industry expertise to an
existing alliance.
The five-step method
Executing a sustainability strategy reaches deep within your company and touches many points in your wider business environment. So it is vital that you have an experienced partner by your side who will support the execution process with their own methods, achievable short-term goals and the right soft skills.
Step 1 – Prioritise projects
You can’t do everything at once. Based on your stakeholder analysis and the resources at your disposal, drill down on the three projects that can be successfully started and completed over the next 12 months.Step 2 – Allocate resources
Inventorise the resources available in your company for these projects. If you do not have sufficient resources, it’s time to think about the external organisations that could ideally provide the right expertise or – even better – funds for your sustainability project.
Step 3 – Always challenge
You know who endorses your project. But what about the critics? Reach out to sceptical stakeholders within and beyond your company and use appropriate communication channels to engage with them directly. You would be surprised how much you can learn from the sceptics.
Step 4 – Secure buy-in
Implementing your sustainability strategy will bring change to your company. Who are the internal stakeholders that you need to involve in your projects? What benefits will the strategy bring to the people whose support you need (e.g. efficiency or cost gains)?
Step 5 – Communicate actively
Be proactive with your communication. Don’t wait for someone to ask you about the status of your projects. Make sure that your topics are integrated into existing communication channels – both analogue and digital. If you have sufficient resources, you can also create a new communication channel.
