ICF
For those with ESG responsibilities, whether they are senior leaders, sustainability officers, or even passionate employees, securing buy-in and navigating roadblocks is not easy. It's vital to bring others onboard with a vision and know how to have the right conversations to create change.
Coaching is a development practice that can help ESG professionals become more effective in their roles. The International Coaching Federation defines coaching as "partnering in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires a person to maximize their personal and professional potential."
Neil Scotton, a professional certified coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and co-founder of the One Leadership Project, is interested in how organizations approach ESG and particularly why acting on ESG topics like climate, race, and gender can sometimes be slow-moving.
In his experience, pursuing an ESG goal requires a holistic, inclusive, and empathic view of an organization. For example, increasing women in senior leadership positions cannot be achieved if there are limited entry level roles, few promotions, and an unencouraging culture. Scotton has observed that the language used when discussing ESG topics can be confrontational. For instance, terms such as "fight for…" or "battle with…" are commonly used, which can automatically set a precedent for conflict and confrontation when dealing with stakeholders.
When working with senior leaders, Scotton finds it helpful to frame ESG policy making as a "legacy" issue, in the context of what we create and leave for others. Useful questions include: how do you want to be remembered? And contrastingly: how will you actually be remembered?
These questions are examples of a coaching approach helping teams and individuals see the task of implementing ESG goals from a bigger perspective and give them a stronger motivation to succeed. "Coaching conversations enable people to take a step back and explore the many influences on successfully achieving ESG goals," Scotton said. "For instance, people may want to assess the external factors to anticipate and plan for, plus internal politics, decision making, empowerment, and culture. It can be useful to identify who the key stakeholders, change agents and gatekeepers are that can facilitate change, and the support they need.
"Coaching is not just for executives and senior leaders but can be helpful to any employee working in an ESG setting. Coaching-style conversations can help ensure people across the organization are really engaged with making ESG happen — inclusive of all hierarchy positions, outlooks, ages, races, and genders."
According to Scotton, employees at all levels can positively influence an organization's ESG policy, however many individuals struggle to translate their passion for change into meaningful action. These "fire starters" have a hunger to make a positive difference but can become overwhelmed by the task at hand. Coaching can empower these individuals, ensure they don't burn out, and help break down the issues at hand. Importantly, coaching can show passionate individuals how to work with the broader organization, rather than be in conflict with it.
"Speaking in a confidential and safe space is something people don't often experience at work and that's a powerful aspect of coaching," said Scotton. "It's a place where you can have an honest confidential conversation, where you can deep-dive into complex themes and challenge yourself to come up with solutions that bring ESG goals to life." For those interested in receiving coaching, it's important to do research and find an accredited coach with a reputable body.
This post was created by ICF with Insider Studios.