As a small business owner I wear a lot of hats. You, too, I suspect. So now along with our role as CEO, CFO, and COO – I say we need to add one more. That’s CSO – Chief Sustainability Officer.
CSO is a relatively new role for the business world and brand spanking new for small business. So new, in fact, the industry is struggling to define a job description and who would be best suited to fill it.
It’s been my opinion the way to a greener, cleaner planet is through the consumer and her wallet. Evidence in every sector shows advances in energy-efficiency and sustainable practices. Big business is looking at sustainability initiatives to squeeze in more profit. Small business needs it to survive.
The World Commission on Environment and Development defined sustainability back in 1987 as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” As you consider how to add CSO to your hat rack of bowlers and ball caps, here are six steps to help get you started.
• Take a leadership role in sustainability and inspire your team to dial in on the job. Ask yourself to lead with higher standards.
• Find ways to tie in sustainability issues that already exist in your company. Look for ways to accelerate your own green innovations.
• Find the most supportive employees, customers, and business allies and engage them first. Encourage smart new policies that reward sustainability performance.
• Gather your team to brainstorm and create your company’s sustainability and business social responsibility policies. These can be tremendous assets in attracting new employees and customers.
• Create open-door policies that engage conversation and encourage transparency.
• Take advantage of partnerships. Look outside your company for experts, organizations and academics who can give you a fresh perspective and move your initiatives further, faster.
Read the April Green Issue of Biz2Biz NWA!
