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A Good Stretch

By Thomas Sheffield 

Before we get started, I think we could all use a good stretch. Now let’s stretch our goals. We can all choose goals that are easy to reach but are we really better off? Many companies choose goals because they are easy to reach. However, good leaders have to be bold and reach for sustainability goals based on the destination identified by a vision. Aggressive goal setting or “goal stretching” will enable you to become a leader in your industry. There are three stretch goals that will differentiate you from all other companies.

  1. Reducing your carbon footprint. What is a carbon footprint? It is the total amount of greenhouse gasses (CO2) produced as a result of human activities. Carbon Dioxide is a greenhouse gas that causes global warming. The carbon footprint is a great tool to understand your role in global warming. There are ways to measure your footprint and set goals to reduce it. Perhaps the easiest way is to reduce energy consumption. When it is quantitatively measured and included in sustainability reports, it will add value to your business and bring value to your community.
  2. Become more involved in the community and all the stakeholders. This can be done by volunteering or offering your services at a good discount for local schools. Sponsor a little league baseball or football team. Make sure your employees are receiving a livable wage. Ensure all are paid fairly regardless of age, sex, race, etc. Plant a garden and donate the fruit to your employees as a perk for their hard work.
  3. Find ways for profit optimization. There are all kinds of opportunity to make more money by simply taking advantage of sustainable opportunities. The money you save by using less energy and the popularity you will get by becoming involved in the community will have a good effect on your income statement. The opportunity for growth is there, you just will need to make an effort.

Keep stakeholders informed about progress. Your goals should be published so the community knows that you are serious about the goals. Your customers and investors need to know your plans to help you to be accountable. The publication does not need to be elaborate to start but it does need to be specific.

Many large companies publish sustainability reports. The larger fortune 500 companies have departments dedicated to researching for ways to gain an advantage by using sustainable initiatives. They see the need to take advantage of every possible option to gain market share and to stay in business longer than their competition.

There are so many wonderful opportunities awaiting us in 2015. Your small business does not have to invest in a department to help find opportunities. Your time is valuable and you will need some assistance.

If you need help to learn how to do more, please feel free to contact me thomsustainableconsulting@gmail.com. Or you can visit my new website thomsustainbaleconsulting.com.


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