Business Sustainability: The Key Players in your Organization

Implementing business sustainability in today’s environment can be a delicate balance between planning for today and planning for the future. While many organizations are taking more conservative action, leading businesses are reevaluating and retooling for the future.

Now more than ever, companies are getting a true feel for their talent, leadership, and overall organizational chemistry.    Forward thinking businesses are looking for the right mix of talent to implement sustainability concepts that will propel their business into the future. In my professional consulting experience, I have worked with various organizations in many different industries, and a few common key players consistently emerge.

It almost goes with out saying that executive management is critical to business. Sustainability in any organization begins and ends with leadership, and like any great team, the team’s management plays an essential role in setting the overall direction for the players. Many progressive companies are adding an executive sustainability position to their organization. Whether led by a sustainability executive or traditional management, the sustainability team across all organizations has several key players:

•    Supply Chain and Procurement Professionals: these key interfaces with the company’s supply chain can implement new sources of supply or work with current suppliers to incorporate sustainability concepts that improve operations. Procurement play a role in coordinating sustainable purchasing practices across various departments within the organization.

•    Environmental, Health, and Safety Professionals: these key interfaces with the company’s operations and establish and implement the company’s sustainability policies. They can also function as a communication vehicle to the organization.

•    Sales and Marketing Professionals: these key interfaces with the company’s customers represent the face of business sustainability and communicate the organizations values and commitment to sustainability. Sales and Marketing link consumer preferences for sustainable products with the offerings of the company.

At Taiga Company, our small business resources work with clients to build and develop the right mix of talent within an organization. With a sustainability plan, executive support, and an engaged organization, businesses will be equipped for the future