The Power is in the Question

Too many organizations underestimate the power of asking their stakeholders important questions in a timely manner. Even worse, too many firms treat their internal disputes and disagreements as sensitive information to be hoarded rather than as valuable insight to be shared. On the flip side, our eco friendly consulting subscribes to the likes of Tom Peters,
"Innovation comes only from readily and seamlessly sharing information rather than hoarding it."

In the corporate world, most business leaders agree that achieving real bottom line improvements, whether through cost savings or improved revenues, is critical to business sustainability. However, these bottom line achievements are the result of close collaboration with key stakeholders committed to the business’s success. What happens if you aren't asking the right questions? Or, what if you are asking the right questions but to the wrong group of stakeholders?   Add to that, the complexities of conversations in social media.

The speed of business sustainability information rapidly increasing and global eco awareness constantly expanding, it has become increasingly important for companies to harness the power of social media to engage with internal and external stakeholders. Social media provides employees, individuals, communities, businesses, and non-government organizations the ability to connect with business in meaningful discussion from anywhere in the world in real time.   As sustainability consultants, we encourage businesses to engage in the conversation by asking questions. Curiosity elicits the best answers. Consider the results of stakeholder collaboration:

•    Employees actively engaged in the sustainability strategies of the business.
•    The supply chain working together under aligned sustainability goals.
•    Business responsiveness to the expectations of the consumer.
•    Business practices designed for minimal environmental impact.
•    Realized benefits of a supportive local community.

What questions do you need to be asking your stakeholders to drive new levels of sustainable business performance in your organization?