11.48 am —
Check out this “Dear Abby” style question and answer column greenbiz.com addressing sustainability issues in careers and workplaces. —— Posted by Scott Sines
Here’s a sample:
Dear Shannon,
I’m an ethical trade manager at a fashion company who is passionate and committed to making a positive impact in the supply chain. But I find that I am a bit far removed from the on-the-ground impact I thought I could have in this sector because I’m bogged down in internal politics and operational issues. Not to mention I am based in the U.K. and the factories are all in Asia or abroad. How can I see lasting and tangible impact from my work without being in the field or in a grassroots type of job?
— Sinead, Manchester
Dear Sinead,
The disconnectedness you speak of about your perceived impact is very common in the sustainability and international development fields. The word “impact” itself is difficult to define and measure, and creating the business case for strategic programs and proving the results of your committed work is equally difficult. I hear from many of my coaching clients that they want to be closer to individuals, communities and ecosystems in need. Those of us who are driven by the desire to make a difference, leave a legacy and make the world a better place for future generations are often not satisfied until we see the tangible results of that work.
