ABSTRACT
This chapter explores leadership at all levels within sustainable companies. The premise is that everyone has a role to play in creating a sustainable culture. The focus of the chapter is on the importance of leadership character and values.
Top level and senior leaders do have a unique role to play. They must set direction around purpose and develop and communicate an inspiring vision that engages employees. If they want their employees to buy-in and engage with their vision, they must first take the time to understand employees’ perceptions of the culture and must demonstrate their own commitment to the vision.
Nevertheless, the power to influence is available to all levels of leaders. And the most effective way to influence others is through credibility, and relationships. Some specific steps that all can take to lead successfully from wherever they are in the organization include understanding themselves, understanding others, respecting diversity, enabling collective conversations, aligning actions with words, and influencing upwards. The chapter includes a reflection exercise to assess how one goes about understanding the diverse motivations and needs of others in the organization.
