Leadership practices that drive sustainable business results
About Author
As a successful entrepreneur, Avinash founded and grew multiple technology startups in the software vertical. It excites him to face the challenge of scaling up his ventures by constantly offering world-class products and services in a globally competitive market.
“There is in life, a power, a consciousness, a dynamism
that is greater than human control.When we acknowledge that we are navigating the skies,sailing the high seas, and, not controlling life, we make far more profitable, ethical, and sustainable decisions" -Lisa Miller,author and Columbia University Professor
A business perspective that leads to sustainable development is the one that is guided by not only an intention to earn maximum profits and a greater ROI, but also analyze the impact on business operations and how it is going to affect the socio-political environment, natural resources, and the future generations. Today, a commitment to sustainable practices is no longer a “been there, done that” but a “must do” to maintain business continuity and dramatically alter everything from supply chains to profitability.
Important factors that encourage companies to adopt sustainable business practices are both internal and external. While the internal includes factors like maximizing profits and achieving a growth trajectory year on year besides the beliefs and personal values of management and employees influencing engagement in sustainable business practices. The external factors that influence a business’s decision to be more sustainable, include governmental laws and regulations and consumer and investor interests and expectations.
As leaders, it is our responsibility to practice both, internal and external, for the sustainable development of our companies and create an environment where all the stakeholders - team, investors, consumers, and clients share a common vision and contribute their bit to achieve sustainable growth.
But developing a culture of sustainability requires much more than just imbibing a global mindset or fostering a conducive environment, here is my take on how companies can swear to sustainability by following simple leadership practices.
Growth mindset: Focus on effort, not the output
The only tenet to stay stable and resilient in today’s unforeseeable, disruptive, and rapidly changing world is to quickly grasp changing and foggy situations, be able to think and act ahead of the curve. It is possible only when you have a team that has a growth mindset as they possess greater mental agility and are better equipped to deal with any untoward event. Growth-focused behaviors – flexibility, iterative thinking curiosity, perspective thinking and openness, humility, and the ability to receive and understand data to respond and take apt decisions are the keys to sustainable growth.
A strong belief system in place: Belief is the new benefit
You can change everything about your business, not your core beliefs, it is simply out of question. It is the guiding principle, the foundation of your business that builds trust and creates value. A business becomes sustainable only when it is governed by its beliefs and nothing deviates it from adhering to it, whatever the situation is. In case your beliefs are a little rigid or time-bound, go back and revisit to make it consistent with what you as a company want to offer as value.
Team: ‘Get Real’
Envisaging a sustainable future without a team that also holds a similar vision is unrealistic. A team that brings with it an open mind, gets past their traditional practices and biases, and enjoys with others more as people and not mere co-workers is a team that can lead to an organization’s sustainable development. It is the sole responsibility of an organization to create a work environment that is authentic and safe and becomes a place where trust is established quickly.
Unleash the power of technology: A revolution that is here to stay
Although the recent upheaval in the world is complex, multifaceted, and will unfold for generations to come, what cannot be denied is that technology will play a pivotal role. Although not a panacea, technology is still a facilitator that increases productivity, efficiency, and cost savings, reduces software waste, and measures, analyzes, and tracks progress yielding benefits to organizations.
Creating a more sustainable world is a crucial challenge, but also a real opportunity. While the responsibility lies with each and every individual, without a focussed and meticulous leadership it will be impossible for organizations and humanity at large to resolve pressing issues and come out as winners.
As a successful entrepreneur, Avinash founded and grew multiple technology startups in the software vertical. It excites him to face the challenge of scaling up his ventures by constantly offering world-class products and services in a globally competitive market.
“There is in life, a power, a consciousness, a dynamism
that is greater than human control.When we acknowledge that we are navigating the skies,sailing the high seas, and, not controlling life, we make far more profitable, ethical, and sustainable decisions" -Lisa Miller,author and Columbia University Professor
A business perspective that leads to sustainable development is the one that is guided by not only an intention to earn maximum profits and a greater ROI, but also analyze the impact on business operations and how it is going to affect the socio-political environment, natural resources, and the future generations. Today, a commitment to sustainable practices is no longer a “been there, done that” but a “must do” to maintain business continuity and dramatically alter everything from supply chains to profitability.
Important factors that encourage companies to adopt sustainable business practices are both internal and external. While the internal includes factors like maximizing profits and achieving a growth trajectory year on year besides the beliefs and personal values of management and employees influencing engagement in sustainable business practices. The external factors that influence a business’s decision to be more sustainable, include governmental laws and regulations and consumer and investor interests and expectations.
As leaders, it is our responsibility to practice both, internal and external, for the sustainable development of our companies and create an environment where all the stakeholders - team, investors, consumers, and clients share a common vision and contribute their bit to achieve sustainable growth.
But developing a culture of sustainability requires much more than just imbibing a global mindset or fostering a conducive environment, here is my take on how companies can swear to sustainability by following simple leadership practices.
Growth mindset: Focus on effort, not the output
The only tenet to stay stable and resilient in today’s unforeseeable, disruptive, and rapidly changing world is to quickly grasp changing and foggy situations, be able to think and act ahead of the curve. It is possible only when you have a team that has a growth mindset as they possess greater mental agility and are better equipped to deal with any untoward event. Growth-focused behaviors – flexibility, iterative thinking curiosity, perspective thinking and openness, humility, and the ability to receive and understand data to respond and take apt decisions are the keys to sustainable growth.
A strong belief system in place: Belief is the new benefit
You can change everything about your business, not your core beliefs, it is simply out of question. It is the guiding principle, the foundation of your business that builds trust and creates value. A business becomes sustainable only when it is governed by its beliefs and nothing deviates it from adhering to it, whatever the situation is. In case your beliefs are a little rigid or time-bound, go back and revisit to make it consistent with what you as a company want to offer as value.
Team: ‘Get Real’
Envisaging a sustainable future without a team that also holds a similar vision is unrealistic. A team that brings with it an open mind, gets past their traditional practices and biases, and enjoys with others more as people and not mere co-workers is a team that can lead to an organization’s sustainable development. It is the sole responsibility of an organization to create a work environment that is authentic and safe and becomes a place where trust is established quickly.
Unleash the power of technology: A revolution that is here to stay
Although the recent upheaval in the world is complex, multifaceted, and will unfold for generations to come, what cannot be denied is that technology will play a pivotal role. Although not a panacea, technology is still a facilitator that increases productivity, efficiency, and cost savings, reduces software waste, and measures, analyzes, and tracks progress yielding benefits to organizations.
Creating a more sustainable world is a crucial challenge, but also a real opportunity. While the responsibility lies with each and every individual, without a focussed and meticulous leadership it will be impossible for organizations and humanity at large to resolve pressing issues and come out as winners.
