- Listen to concerns, understand worries and priorities around sustainability. - Share the benefits by explaining how sustainability can provide value, such as cost savings, a stronger brand, and regulatory compliance. - Provide real examples, using success stories from similar companies to show the tangible impact of sustainability. - Find common goals by linking sustainability efforts with stakeholders main priorities, like financial or operational improvements. - Suggest a step-by-step approach, offering phased, flexible options to make sustainability adoption manageable. - Focus on long-term benefits, emphasizing how sustainability contributes to future growth and resilience.

Stakeholders sometimes have conflicting requirements and interests. Depending on their influence and power, their views should be monitored, and they should be kept informed and up to date regarding the strategic and tactical decisions of the company. When an initiative is expected to increase corporate value -such as a sustainability initiative- explaining the benefits is a powerful argument on its own

To navigate resistance from stakeholders on sustainability, begin by actively listening to their concerns and understanding the root of their objections. Create a platform for open dialogue where stakeholders can express their viewpoints without fear of backlash. Highlight the long-term benefits of sustainability, including cost savings, risk management, and competitive advantages, using data and case studies to reinforce your message. Seek to identify common goals that align with both sustainability and stakeholder interests, proposing tailored solutions that address their concerns. Finally, maintain ongoing communication to build trust and demonstrate the value of sustainability initiatives over time.

When I face resistance to sustainability initiatives, I focus on educating my team and key stakeholders about why these efforts are important, both for the environment and for our company’s future. I encourage open conversations so everyone feels comfortable sharing their concerns and questions. I also like to share success stories from other organizations or examples from our own work to show how sustainability can have a positive impact. By involving team members in the planning process and asking for their input, I help them feel more connected to the initiatives. This way, I can gradually turn skepticism of my colleagues and stakeholders into support and build a stronger commitment to sustainability within the department.

In my view, navigating resistance from stakeholders requires two things (1) EMPATHY and (2) STRATEGIC DIALOGUE. My Dos & Don’ts: Do: Actively listen to understand their concerns and find areas where sustainability aligns with their priorities. I follow Peter Drucker’s idea that “culture eats strategy for breakfast,” so I work to integrate sustainability within the values they already hold. Don’t: Dismiss differing viewpoints. Instead, address them directly, showing how sustainable practices can also drive financial or operational benefits. Building on shared values and demonstrating a balanced approach often helps gain their support.