Let’s talk sustainability
Sustainability can mean a lot of things. But what does it mean for your organization? In this post, we’ll talk about:
What is sustainability?
What is sustainable growth?
What does sustainable growth look like?
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is both an idea and a practice. Sustainability is often discussed in terms of the environment, but it also includes social, economic, and political applications.
One accepted definition of sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
You can incorporate this in a practical way by asking yourself, “How can I meet the needs of my organization now, while also ensuring my future needs can be met?”
In a very real way, sustainability is a protective measure over your current capacity. Sustainability asks, “Can you maintain your momentum without losing steam?”
These questions are especially relevant in periods of expansion. Managing your day-to-day is tough enough, and new growth comes with increasing responsibility.
What is sustainable growth?
Growth is exciting, and feels like a natural extension of your work. But without sustainability incorporated into your growth plan, you’re marching onwards and upwards — into a metaphorical volcano of deadly burnout, compassion fatigue, and financial distress.
Sustainable growth has to start with assessing your current capacity. Ask yourself: Is the current workload manageable? How often do I find myself overwhelmed? At the end of the day, do I still have energy for myself?
If you find yourself stuck in a rhythm between days crammed with work stress and evenings filled with the dread of tomorrow’s responsibilities, your capacity is not sustainable. Sustainability has to include the personal wellness of the individuals doing the work.
So what does sustainable growth look like?
It should look like a plan that accounts for all parts of your organizations’ capacity:
A workplace culture that fosters personal wellness and transparency
Timelines set on a pace that allows for variation in energy & workload
Goals that are well-defined, evident in daily work, and ultimately achievable
A realistic budget with room for outsourcing services that overload your capacity
Your sustainable growth plan will be unique to you and your work, and shouldn’t be considered as a static document. Sustainability is an exercise in embracing the future, and your growth plan may have to shift and adapt accordingly.
The best time to make a sustainable growth plan is before you start to grow. The second best time is now.
Want to stay in the loop? Sign up for more tips & tricks, or let us know what you’re looking for in the form below ⬇️