A packed house was in attendance to discuss how we change the world. A panel I attended discussed strategies for those working in a large corporation. Let’s review their advice:

Championing change requires identifying and persuading key players to either support or advocate your position.  A key player does not need to be a senior manager, rather he or she can be a very influential or respected employee. Utilizing the same vocabulary as the key players is important, such as how the change will have a positive financial impact.

Potential ideas that promote a positive work environment, reduced carbon emissions AND a financial savings include:

1.    “Hotelling” / cube sharing (for example, only having real estate for 60% of employees who rotate in and out throughout the day)
2.    Telecommuting for employees
3.    Reducing the number of onsite consultant visits

In order to push such programs forward, one panelist found an advocate in the finance department – who in fact, did not care about the program’s impact on employees lives.  He did however, care about the bottom line.  It turns out happier employees lead to higher rates of talent retention and reduce the percent of time that a consultant needs to travel in order to interface with the client – both of which lead to a significant reduction in costs.  Figure out who your advocates can be and win them over by showing them how their values align with your vision.

-Amanda