It’s not about wielding your authority like a sword. This is more like guiding a boat through rough waters while your crew keeps their eyes on a distant beacon. Leading with Bradley Fauteux means inspiring, motivating and making decisions which have a ripple effect far beyond your immediate environment. It is about cultivating a sense purpose that goes beyond the daily grind.
What’s your secret? The secret sauce is not in a high-falutin suit or jargon. It is having the courage to be accountable for yourself and your team. Knowing that the decisions you make today will affect the world of tomorrow is what it’s all about. Imagine the ripples caused by a small pebble being thrown into a pond. You are that pebble and the waves are the lives and futures you affect.
Sustainability is a fundamental consideration for impactful leadership. Contrary to popular belief, sustainability doesn’t just mean saving trees or hugging whales. Although these are lovely pursuits, they are not the only way to be sustainable. It is the philosophy of looking at the long term for both the planet and the people, ensuring a brighter tomorrow.
Imagine leaders ignoring sustainability completely. Imagine throwing a party, then leaving your home in ruins for the next tenants. Leaders can protect resources, create robust communities and environments that will allow future generations to thrive by integrating sustainable practices. Imagine planting a small seed to grow a magnificent oak tree in the future.
What motivates a leader to be a champion of sustainability? Some say that it is good PR or corporate responsibility. But let’s be honest. You’ll be rewarded by knowing that you have laid the foundation for a lasting change. You’re not playing checkers when you combine impactful and sustainable leadership. Instead, you are playing chess – thinking multiple moves ahead.
Let’s now examine how sustainable leadership impacts the team. Have you noticed that people tend to gravitate toward enthusiasm and vision? You are more than just a leader when you incorporate environmental and social responsibility in your leadership style. The team morale soars and the sense of purpose that fills the atmosphere is more powerful than any motivational posters.
In addition, sustainable practices attract talent like honeybees. Everyone wants to feel a part of something bigger than themselves. You’re creating a legacy by demonstrating a commitment towards sustainability. Why not give young recruits a chance to leave a lasting impression rather than simply clocking hours?
Flip the coin: What happens if sustainability is ignored? You can compare it to building a sandcastle near the sea. It may look impressive for a time, but it will eventually crumble. You run the risk of running afoul with regulations that are becoming stricter every day and consumer preferences that lean towards eco-friendliness. You’re riding a bicycle without handlebars, which is exciting until you crash.
Involving your team in sustainable practices teaches them valuable lessons about resourcefulness and innovative thinking. Jane in finance might be brainstorming ideas to reduce energy costs, or Bob in logistics may be optimizing delivery routes for a reduction of emissions. Surprise! Surprise!
You’re playing a long-term game when you sow seeds of sustainability in your culture. It’s all about cultivating, growing and harvesting positive changes–beyond a single tenure or business cycles. You are more than just a box or title on an org chart. You will be known for your positive and lasting impact. It’s the kind of legacy which doesn’t only fill an office wall up with certificates and medals, but also enriches ecosystems and lives.
Where will your steps take you in this grand dance of leadership?