Entrepreneurial leadership is about setting a personal example. This is true for every business and industry. However, it is important to understand that leaders are often viewed under a microscope and people may view certain leadership styles as performative or inauthentic.

This is especially true when you navigate for social causes like sustainability. Prioritizing it ENDURANCE in the workplace is a great way to help the environment, but it must be practiced authentically.

In this article, I'll detail five strategies for engaging your teams in your sustainability efforts through true leadership in driving sustainable change.

Anyone can claim to be committed to positive environmental change, but it takes a well thought out and concerted effort to accomplish the mission. These five strategies will help you inspire and motivate your team to commit to your organization's sustainability goals.

1. Encourage participation in goal setting

Your employees want to be heard—they want to share their unique insights about your organization and, most importantly, they want to know that you value those opinions enough to act on them. positive change. When setting goals, make sure each team member is given the opportunity to share their thoughts and be sure to listen. When employees are actively engaged in setting goals, they are more likely to invest in the mission. They will champion your organization's goals, knowing they had an active role in inspiring change.

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2. Communicate your vision

Follow up after your team has had an opportunity to participate in goal setting. Employees want to know that you have heard what they have to say and that their words will be put to good use. Without proper communication, you risk losing momentum. To further the conversation, communicate each stage of the sustainability plan with your team. Rely on your team's insights to fine-tune your goals and how you'll communicate them to the rest of your organization. To keep everyone informed, provide timelines and talking points in email updates, newsletters or social media.

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3. Educate and encourage

Once you understand your organization sustainability objectives and how to execute them, encourage your team to learn more.

Create clear and informative material for employees to use in their daily operations. This can be as simple as creating a small infographic listing your sustainability goals, hosting a monthly learning lunch, or updating your organization's desktop background to describe your sustainability mission. These small steps will keep your goals clear and reinforce a strong culture around sustainability.

4. Offer rewards for participation

One of the best ways to increase participation in any initiative is through incentive programs. Consider creating a recognition program that rewards employees for taking specific sustainable actions. This may include prizes, rewards or other incentives to demonstrate how they apply sustainability principles at work and beyond.

Not only will this inspire engagement, but it will also help hold employees accountable for their contributions to your team's overall goals. Plus… who doesn’t love competition?

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5. Lead by example

I know I mentioned this above, but it can't be overstated: If you really want your team to take an active role in your organization commitment for sustainability, you really have to invest. Prioritize your time so you can back up your words with positive action. This means actively participating in discussions, welcoming and celebrating company initiatives, adopting sustainable practices – and sticking with them. Being transparent and making your sustainability goals an extension of who you are as a leader will go a long way in inspiring your team.

The role of leadership in driving sustainable change

Committing to sustainable change in your organization has several benefits. In addition to protecting the environment, you are also creating opportunities to show that you are a thought leader, authentically committed to making the world a better place.

Doing so proves that you are a trusted partner, invested in their common interests. This can generate positive feelings about you and your business, leading to quality brand exposure, increased revenue and better relationships with business partners and consumers.

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Main prize

As entrepreneurs, we are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in our organizations. We set the tone for our teams and can use our platforms and influence to speak up for important causes. When we go all-in for sustainability, it inspires teams to rally behind our efforts.

Team members are extensions of your business's mission, vision and values. When you demonstrate that you are a thoughtful leader who cares deeply about sustainable change, your team will see your authenticity through your actions and feel more invested in accomplishing the mission at every level of the organization.

So put your best foot forward, listen to your team, and start paving a path to positive change!