Jump-Start Your Green Career Today

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 by Julie Urlaub
image: green corporate ladderStuck in a job or career track that is not satisfying your sustainability passion?  Our sustainability consulting is frequently asked: How do you climb the ‘green’ ladder of success from your current roll or in searching for that next great opportunity?

Traditional business practices would tell you to be self-sufficient and work your way up through a combination of individual drive, determination, and a lot of hard work.  An alternative approach is to raise your visibility in the organization.  This will expose you to other people in the organization, gain a broader perspective of potential green opportunities, and allow you to identify and refine your leadership qualities.

•    Step outside the confines of your specific position: Become involved in projects and activities that embrace sustainability concepts and promote business sustainability.  If your company has a business sustainability plan, this is a great place to take eco action.

•    Expand your corporate green network: engage in internal business activities, networking events, internal and external training, professional organizations, and business communities.  An easy option is to engage in your company’s community outreach programs.

•    Avoid being the expert: Keep an open mind to receiving new information that will expand your perspective.  An appreciation of both sides of a discussion about a sustainability concept is often to your advantage. 

•    Be on the winning team.  Seek out and be apart of the best ideas, even if they are not you own.  It is always better to be in support of something rather than against.  Being part of business sustainability success is a win-win for you and the company.

Whether you work in a corporate culture in which employee action is encouraged or a more traditional culture with less communication, there are strategies to further facilitate eco awareness and lead-up in the organization.  Continue learning and developing your green knowledge, team building, and leadership  skills.  Take an authentic interest and become involved in the value-added green projects and business sustainability initiatives.  These actions will differentiate you in the organization and propel you up the green corporate ladder.

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