You care about social and environmental change, but your organization doesn't seem to value it as much as you do. You want to advance your career, but you don't want to compromise your principles or passion. How can you get a promotion without sacrificing your impact? Here are some tips to help you navigate this challenge.
Find out what your organization's mission, vision, and values are, and how they relate to social and environmental issues. Try to understand the motivations and priorities of your leaders and managers, and how they measure success. Then, look for ways to align your work and goals with the mission, and show how your contributions support it. For example, you can highlight how your projects save costs, reduce risks, or increase customer loyalty by addressing social and environmental concerns.
Start by educating yourself and others within the organization about the importance of social and environmental change. Share information, research, and case studies that demonstrate the business benefits of prioritizing sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Emphasize the business case for incorporating social and environmental considerations into promotion strategies. Showcase examples of companies that have successfully leveraged CSR initiatives to enhance brand reputation, attract customers, and drive long-term growth. Connect social and environmental change initiatives to the organization's broader goals and objectives.
It is rare that issues that are not directly profit related will garner significant interest from the organization, but there is no reason why you can't find colleagues who will serve to be Advocates, Ambassadors, or attendees at initiatives that are important to you.
To foster social and environmental change within an organization that may need to prioritize these areas, begin by educating colleagues and leadership on the significance and benefits of integrating such values, using research and success stories as evidence. If larger projects face resistance, initiate smaller, more manageable efforts to build momentum and showcase the value of sustainable practices—rally support from like-minded colleagues to form a persuasive collective advocating for change. You can invest in your professional development in sustainability to bring added value to your organization.
Don't assume that your boss or colleagues know what you do or why it matters. Communicate your value clearly and consistently, using quantifiable results and compelling stories. Demonstrate how your skills and knowledge in social and environmental change can benefit the organization and its stakeholders. For example, you can share best practices, case studies, or industry trends that show how social and environmental change can create opportunities or solve problems.
To communicate your value, consider its various aspects: 1. Financial value: How does your work in sustainability help the organisation reduce costs or create new business opportunities? 2. Relationship value: How does the CSR that you lead create meaningful relationships with employees, customers, and other stakeholders 3. Impact value: How does this work help to create a positive impact? This, too, can also help serve the other value propositions. Together, these values can help convince the leadership that CSR is vital.
Networking is not only about making contacts, but also about building relationships and trust. Connect with people who share your passion and vision for social and environmental change, both inside and outside your organization. Seek mentors, sponsors, and allies who can support your career development and advocate for you. For example, you can join or create employee resource groups, volunteer for cross-functional teams, or attend events and workshops related to social and environmental change.
The best place to grow your network of people you want to partner with on driving social and environmental changes are the connections already have. Start with getting the list of people that are currently in your network who have supported you in the past and who work for companies that support ESG. Then start an honest conversation. Tell them you really enjoyed working with them and would love to get their input on how to expand social and environmental issues in your company. Let them know you feel a bit stuck and are not sure how to get ESG moving. As you get ideas on how to implement ESG in your own company you are also laying the groundwork in case the right move is a career or company change.
Getting a promotion is not only about doing your current job well, but also about showing your potential for more. Seek feedback and growth opportunities that can help you improve your performance and expand your skills. Ask for constructive criticism, recognition, and suggestions from your boss, peers, and customers. For example, you can request a performance review, a stretch assignment, or a training program that can help you advance your career and impact.
Sometimes, you may have to create your own opportunities for promotion, rather than waiting for them to come to you. Be proactive and flexible in identifying and pursuing new challenges and roles that align with your interests and values. Don't be afraid to propose new ideas, initiatives, or solutions that can demonstrate your leadership and innovation in social and environmental change. For example, you can pitch a project, a partnership, or a policy that can benefit the organization and its stakeholders.
Getting a promotion in an organization that doesn't prioritize social and environmental change can be frustrating and challenging, but not impossible. By following these tips, you can show your value, build your network, seek feedback and growth, and be proactive and flexible. You can also inspire others to join you in making a positive difference in the world.