Companies’  effectiveness in tackling sustainability challenges requires a common language and a shared understanding of the issues among employees at all level . Individuals in the company might have their own ideas and personal commitments to sustainability, but for the emergence of the company’s collective voice there need to be a dynamic process of co-creation of a shared vision based on a common language and understanding. The result of this process will be increased mobilization, engagement and commitment at all levels.

We have been having several forums for discussion and construction of a shared vision for a more sustainable Merida. We hold monthly company meetings attended by all employees – in person or teleconference. In these meeting, besides review of the finance and strategy of the company, we always report on sustainability accomplishments, dilemmas and objectives. We have just finished showing the movie An Inconvenient Truth to several small employees groups. After the sessions, I mediated a conversation about people’s impressions, feelings and ideas. These have been great!! Some people were not aware of the profound implications of climate change and global warming. The most interest for me was the prevailing positive attitude of  “what can we do? Let’s do it now!!” expressed by just about everyone.

We just did last Thursday the first of a series of workshops using an adaptation of The Natural Steps (http://www.naturalstep.org/) framework to deepen and move forward the process of building a common language, shared vision and a plan for action. Participation, mobilization and enthusiasm were fantastic, inspiring us all to keep the good and challenging work making a difference as a company.  I post in the resource page the presentation for the workshop. Please, let me know your ideas about it!!

Tags: eco friendly, sustainable design

This entry was posted on Sunday, March 29th, 2009 by Zairo and is filed under Sustainability. Both comments and pings are currently closed.