What kind of future is your organization building? Is your direction clear and based on the principles of sustainable development? It is the responsibility of owners and management to ensure that sustainability is at the core of strategy and daily operations, and not just a superficial layer. Sustainable development is not just a beautiful idea, but a powerful tool that challenges old habits and opens up new business opportunities.
It is crucial to understand that sustainable business and climate-smart operating models are choices made by management and owners. Passivity is as much a choice as active action. Although the will may arise from the organization or customers, the implementation of strategic choices is the responsibility of owners and management. Successful change requires systemic thinking and the ability to unlearn. Leadership’s example and commitment to change are key.
In my work as a change manager, I strive to create conditions where interaction and a shared understanding of direction enable a systemic operating model. Collaboration between teams creates strength and execution that moves things forward transparently and in a timely manner. A shared vision and short-term goals encourage us to solve challenges together on the journey of change.
We can only imagine the significant impact on future working life and society if the importance of collaboration and diverse skills were taken into account from early childhood. This way, future generations could build businesses and societies that operate within the limits of our planet's carrying capacity, creating a sustainable future.
Think about your own organization: Do you have a clear, shared direction that reflects the principles of sustainable development? Do all employees understand how their work relates to building responsibility in everyday life? What barriers have been identified that may prevent this understanding from emerging? Is the organization's culture and leadership such that they genuinely support safe renewal? It is time for leaders and owners to accept the challenge of responsibility and ensure that the company succeeds sustainably in the future.
Elina Ali-Melkkilä is the founder and CEO of Direo, a Finnish consultancy helping organisations build renewal capability through dialogue, reflection, and learning. Learn more about Direo's approach to sustainable transformation.
Explore how I drive sustainable growth through strategic change management.
My mission is to strengthen organisational resilience through dialogue, reflection, and learning—creating the conditions where companies transform their approach to change into pathways for sustainable growth.