Sustaining your business, and sustaining yourself in business

During my graduate studies in Sustainability through Arizona State
University I have learned much about organizational strategies built
around sustainability initiatives. The definition of sustainability  is
“meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”
Sometimes it is referred to in the context of the more commonly known
Triple Bottom Line which takes into account an organization’s social,
economic, and environmental practices and policies. Plainly put, making
money while doing good.

Interestingly, when people think of “sustainability” they don’t
include the social aspect; in fact, the focus tends to heavily be on
the environmental aspect. And while environmental initiatives are
certainly critical to the sustainability of an organization, and our
planet for that matter, let’s consider the social aspect. In order for
an organization to be sustainable it must
invest in its employees, through continuous training, opportunities for
advancement, encouragement of personal development, time to contribute
to local charities of their choice, etc. It is impossible for an
organization to move forward without a solid, consistent, loyal, and
happy employee base. This is especially true in times of trouble, such
as in the recent and ongoing economic crisis.

If you as an employer have invested as much in your employees as you
do in marketing, operations, budget cutting strategies, etc., the
rewards are many. In times like these, employees will be loyal to the
company. They will be willing to take on more responsibilities and work
in the event of a downsize; they will remain committed to the vision
moving forward. As recovery occurs, you will be able to rebuild more
quickly because you will have a steady team in place that knows and
understands the organization. And in the case of a start-up, it’s
especially important to retain your employees during the emotional and
brutal building process.

Now take these same sustainability concepts, and apply them to yourself.
How do you sustain yourself in business? Whether your employer is
providing them or not, or if you are in transition or unemployed,
invest in yourself–take advantage of training classes or continuing
education in your present or new field; stay true to your personal
values; continue contributing to your community.  And like with
organizations, in times of trouble, you will be able to sustain
yourself in your current business, or be better prepared to rebound and
enter into a new opportunity.

Case in point: I have worked with two wood flooring companies. One, Forest to Floor,
a start-up in Memphis, TN does nothing to support any of the
sustainability initiatives; there is no indication of any consideration
of the environment, employees are treated with disrespect and as
expendable, and consequently, the company is not able to gain any
momentum. It’s financial situation reflects this. The other, Carlisle Wide Plank Floors,
a respected company in Stoddard, NH, has always maintained its
sustainability initiatives: respect for the environment through
responsible forestry practices, respect for its employees, and a
business that has survived well for over forty years. Even during this
economic downturn, the company’s values have not been compromised, and
the employees have steadfastly stayed loyal.

And on a personal note, during a time of career transition, by
investing in personal development and new, current skills, and staying
true to my core values, I was able to successfully sustain my
livelihood and build a new business.