COMPETENCES
How to apply Sustainability Awareness?
Welcome to your learning journey on sustainability in entrepreneurship!
This time, we will explore how to apply the Sustainability Awareness competence.
Take a few minutes to look at the different stages of this journey. Remember to click on all the elements to make sure you don’t miss any details. In the top right corner of the image, you will find a button, if you click on it, you will know all the elements to investigate.
Step 1: Understand the Case Study
Below, you will see a practical example that you may identify with. The following entrepreneur is facing a situation in which the Sustainability Awareness competence will be decisive for correct decision making.
Step 2: Evaluate environmental impact
Ms. Dewi needs to evaluate the ecological footprint of the alternative packaging materials. While cost-effective, non-eco-friendly options might have a greater negative environmental impact, potentially harming the Himlan environment and alienating consumes.
How can I effectively evaluate and balance the additional financial costs of biodegradable packaging against its environmental benefits?
Step 3: Opportunity cost and Trade-offs
To choose between the cost economical plastic packaging with negative environmental impact and choice of bio-degradable packaging material, Ms. Dewi must assess how much additional cost her business and customers can bear for sustainable practices, and whether there are ways to optimize costs without compromising on eco-friendliness.
Step 4: Trust building through transparency
To build trust through transparency, Ms. Dewi should regularly share detailed information about sustainable practices, engage in open dialogues with consumers, and provide clear, honest updates about any changes in business practices or challenges faced.
Watch this video where Simon Sinek Reveals What Transparency Really Means in Business.
Step 5: Openness for adapting changes
For anticipating future trends, proactively conduct market research, seek insights from industry events, and stay open to adapting business strategies based on evolving sustainability norms and consumer demands.
Quiz
How to apply Systemic Thinking?
Welcome to your learning journey on sustainability in entrepreneurship!
This time, we will explore how to apply the Systemic Thinking competence.
Take a few minutes to look at the different stages of this journey. Remember to click on all the elements to make sure you don’t miss any details. In the top right corner of the image, you will find a button, if you click on it, you will know all the elements to investigate.
Step 1: Understand the Case Study
Below, you will see a practical example that you may identify with. The following entrepreneur is facing a situation in which the Systemic Thinking competence will be decisive for correct decision making.
Step 2: Systemic thinking and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
To solve this problem and help this entrepreneur applying the Systemic Thinking competence, the first thing to do is understand the relation among SDGs and Systemic thinking. Answer the following questions and learn more about the SDGs and systemic thinking.
Step 3: Define stakeholders
To make a decision you will need to understand what stakeholders and right holders are related to this decision.
- Watch the video below.
- Define the product journey: Think about the product cycle from the beginning till the end.
- Define stakeholders and right holders: how and who will be affected by this decision?
- Think about the stakeholders in a systematic way, the video below will help you to do that.
Step 4: Finding solution
To make a decision it is important to clearly decide the values of the brand.
- Watch the video below.
- Define three main values of KiKi brand.
- Think which value is the most important for the development of KiKi.
Step 5: Understand how systemic thinking might work in practice
- Click the link below and check images presented.
- Choose one image and define the main points that are illustrated there.
- Think about how defined points can work in Kiki’s situation.
Quiz
How to apply Anticipatory Thinking
Welcome to your learning journey on sustainability in entrepreneurship!
This time, we will explore how to apply the Anticipatory Thinking competence.
Take a few minutes to look at the different stages of this journey. Remember to click on all the elements to ensure you don’t miss any details. In the top right corner of the image, you will find a button, if you click on it, you will know all the elements to investigate.
Step 1: Understand the Case Study
Below, you will see a practical example that you may identify with. The following entrepreneur is facing a situation in which the Anticipatory Thinking competence will be decisive for correct decision-making.
Step 2: Anticipatory Thinking and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
To solve this problem and help this entrepreneur apply the Anticipatory Thinking competence, the first thing to do is understand the relation between SDGs and anticipatory thinking. Answer the following questions and learn more about the SDGs and anticipatory thinking.
Step 3: Identifying future trends and their impact on your business
To equip entrepreneurs with the skills to identify and analyse future trends that could impact their businesses, focusing on sustainability challenges and opportunities.
- Watch a video on how to conduct a PESTLE analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental) to identify future trends affecting the business landscape.
Step 4: Developing strategic responses to future challenges
To understand how to create strategic responses to the anticipated future challenges identified in Step 3, employing anticipatory thinking to mitigate potential sustainability obstacles and leverage opportunities.
After viewing the video, participants are encouraged to reflect on the following questions:
- Identify a future challenge: What is a significant sustainability challenge your business is likely to face in the future, as inspired by the trends and examples discussed in the video?
- Strategic response development: Drawing from the strategies shared in the video, outline a potential strategic response your business could develop to address this challenge. How does this strategy incorporate anticipatory thinking?
- Opportunity leveraging: How can the challenge identified be transformed into an opportunity for your business? Consider aspects such as innovation, market differentiation, and customer engagement.
- Implementation considerations: What key factors must be considered to effectively implement this strategic response (e.g., resource allocation, timeline, stakeholder buy-in)?
Step 5: Understand how anticipatory thinking might work in practice
- Click the link below and check the images presented.
- Choose one image and define the main points that are illustrated there.
- Think about how defined points can work in Jordan’s situation.
Quiz
How to apply Normative Agency?
Welcome to your learning journey on sustainability in entrepreneurship!
This time, we will explore how to apply the Normative Agency competence.
Take a few minutes to look at the different stages of this journey. Remember to click on all the elements to make sure you don’t miss any details. In the top right corner of the image, you will find a button, if you click on it, you will know all the elements to investigate.
Step 1: Understand the Case Study
Below, you will see a practical example that you may identify with. The following entrepreneur is facing a situation in which the Normative Agency competence will be decisive for correct decision making.
Step 2: Identify core values
To solve this problem and help Sarah applying the Normative Agency competence, the first thing to do is taking time to reflect on the core values that underpin EcoStyle Apparel.
These include a commitment to some key aspects the company cannot do without environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing of materials, fair labour practices, and transparency in business operations.
What other values do you think can be instrumental in establishing EcoStyle Apparel as a trusted brand in the sustainable fashion market?
This may lead to an argument!
Step 3: Defining ethical standards
In response to the potential collaboration with the major retail chain, you will need to establish clear and comprehensive ethical standards in relation with the company’s core values.
- Define how to Involve the team.
- Define criteria that any potential partner must meet to align with EcoStyle Apparel’s values.
- Define your list: think about requirements for sustainable sourcing, ethical manufacturing processes, adherence to fair labour standards throughout the supply chain…
Check this video to inspire you.
Step 4: Communicate values effectively
Recognising the importance of transparent communication,
- List actions to ensure that all members of the team are informed about the potential collaboration.
- Define how to discuss the situation openly
- Identify what concerns and ethical values that form the foundation of EcoStyle Apparel have to be mentioned.
This communication strategy fosters a shared understanding and commitment to upholding the company’s values. Check this video to inspire you.
Step 5: Lead change in industry norms
The collaboration with the major retail chain is not just as a business opportunity but as a chance to influence industry norms positively.
Develop a plan to engage the leadership of the major retail chain, advocating for sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry.
Follow these steps to prepare yourself!
Step 6: Empower stakeholders to uphold values
Within EcoStyle Apparel, help Sarah to take proactive steps to empower her team.
Quiz
How to apply Strategic thinking?
Welcome to your learning journey on sustainability in entrepreneurship!
This time, we will explore how to apply the Strategic Thinking competence.
Take a few minutes to look at the different stages of this journey. Remember to click on all the elements to make sure you don’t miss any details. In the top right corner of the image, you will find a button, if you click on it, you will know all the elements to investigate.
Step 1: Understand the Case Study
Below, you will see a practical example that you may identify with. The following entrepreneur is facing a situation in which the Strategic Thinking competence will be decisive for correct decision making.
Step 2: Analyse
To solve this problem and help Mark apply the Strategic Thinking competence, the first thing to do is to analyse the current situation with evidence gathering and research. This includes aligning strategic decisions with core values and a long-term vision. A clear understanding of market dynamics and trends is important for making decisions and staying aligned with its vision and sustainable values.
Step 3: Assess
To assess all impacts based on the analysis, Mark must focus on resources to determine whether the EcoPack scale-up will be consistent with his environmental concerns and capabilities. Take a look at four capabilities Mark should focus on.
Step 4: Consult
To take a step forward in the right direction, it is essential to check and recognize the views and concerns of other stakeholders.
- Consider who is an appropriate consultant to help Mark make his final decision.
- What concerns should he raise?
- Write down a set of questions.
Step 5: Plan
When considering whether to accept or decline the scale-up of EcoPack, Mark should ask himself several critical questions to be able to plan for a bright future.
Consider the facts, the variables and all possible consequences so you can make the best decisions.
Step 6: Act
To act as a responsible decision-maker, Mark needs to understand the decision-making strategy and the steps in the process to arrive at the final decision. Check this video to find out a variety of decision-making strategies.
Quizz
How to apply Individual Initiative?
Welcome to your learning journey on sustainability in entrepreneurship!
This time, we will explore how to apply the Individual Initiative competence.
Take a few minutes to look at the different stages of this journey. Remember to click on all the elements to make sure you don’t miss any details. In the top right corner of the image, you will find a button, if you click on it, you will know all the elements to investigate.
Step 1: Understand the Case Study
Below, you will see a practical example that you may identify with. The following entrepreneur is facing a situation in which the Individual Initiative competence will be decisive for correct decision making.
Step 2: Recognise the problem
To solve this problem and help this entrepreneur applying the Individual Initiative competence, the first thing to do is recognise the problem. To address the issue and apply the individual initiative competence, Giannis must start by actively recognizing the environmental challenges arising from the company’s expansion and understanding the urgency of taking action. This involves:
- Identifying the specific environmental threats resulting from the company’s growth.
- Recognizing the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the long-term sustainability of operations.
- Understanding the negative implications for both the environment and the company’s future viability.
Step 3: Take proactive action
Once Giannis has identified the problem, he should take the initiative to proactively address it. This entails:
- Preparing and presenting a detailed report on the negative environmental impacts of the company’s expansion.
- Organizing meetings with colleagues and senior management to discuss the situation and propose sustainable solutions.
- Proposing concrete actions, the company can take to mitigate its negative environmental impact.
- Inspiring other employees to join him in seeking sustainable solutions.
Step 4: Seek responsibility
Giannis must take responsibility for leading the change towards more sustainable practices within the company. This includes:
- Volunteering to take on the role of Environmental Manager and lead sustainability efforts.
- Demonstrating his personal commitment to environmental protection and resource preservation.
- Setting himself as a role model for other employees by taking a firm stand in favor of sustainability.
Step 5: Set sustainable goals
Once Giannis has taken on the role of sustainability leader, he should set clear and achievable goals to guide the company’s efforts towards a more sustainable future. This involves:
- Defining specific objectives related to pollution reduction, resource conservation, and sustainability promotion.
- Setting realistic deadlines to achieve these goals and regularly monitoring progress.
- Involving other employees in goal setting and the search for sustainable solutions.
Step 6: Building networks
To succeed in implementing sustainable practices, Giannis must establish strong connections with colleagues, senior management, and other stakeholders. This includes:
- Collaborating with other departments within the company to implement sustainable changes across all areas of operation.
- Seeking external partners, such as environmental organizations or academic institutions, for support and advice in implementing sustainable initiatives.
- Encouraging collaboration and idea exchange among different stakeholders to find creative and effective solutions to environmental challenges.
Quiz
Images References
Image by garetsvisual on Freepik
How to apply Interpersonal Action?
Welcome to your learning journey on sustainability in entrepreneurship!
This time, we will explore how to apply the Interpersonal Action competence.
Take a few minutes to look at the different stages of this journey. Remember to click on all the elements to make sure you don’t miss any details. In the top right corner of the image, you will find a button, if you click on it, you will know all the elements to investigate.
Step 1: Understand the Case Study
Below, you will see a practical example that you may identify with. The following entrepreneur is facing a situation in which the Interpersonal action competence will be decisive for correct decision making.
Step 2: Listen
To solve this problem and help Patricia apply the Interpersonal action competence, the first thing to do is engage in active listening. This involves thoroughly understanding the concerns, motivations, and perspectives of both internal team members and the potential investor. Through active listening, Patricia can gather crucial insights to navigate conflicting viewpoints and make informed decisions that align with her company´s values and sustainable goals.
How can Patricia ensure that she creates an environment conducive to active listening?
What specific techniques could Patricia employ to understand the motivations and concerns of both internal team members and the potential investor?
Step 3: Empathise
To cultivate a deeper sense of empathy, laying the groundwork for constructive and empathetic decision-making in the face of conflicting perspectives, Patricia can undertake the following activities:
- Delve into team and investor viewpoints, grasping their needs and motivations
- Imagine the situation from the stakeholder’s perspective, considering emotions and influences
- Encourage open dialogue, fostering honest communication and mutual understanding
- Identify shared values to align sustainability goals with the investor’s expectations
- Consider external factors, as industry’s trends, standards, and societal influences
- Strengthen relationships by demonstrating commitment to understanding everyone’s concerns
Step 4: Communicate
In this step, Patricia should focus on clear and effective communication. Effective communication ensures that everyone involved understands the importance of ethical practices and fosters a collaborative atmosphere for decision-making:
- Express core values by clearly articulating EcoByte Solutions’ commitment to sustainability and ethical standards
- Define expectations, by communicating the significance of ethical business practices and setting expectations for growth aligned with these principles
- Emphasise the positive impacts of maintaining sustainability goals on business reputation and stakeholder relationships
- Create an environment where team members and the investor feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns
- Offer collaborative solutions, by proposing alternative strategies that align with both the company’s values and the investor’s goals
Step 5: Negotiate
Negotiating effectively allows Patricia to navigate conflicting interests and find a resolution that meets the needs of both her company and the investor. Patricia focuses on finding a mutually beneficial solution through effective negotiation:
- Identify areas of agreement and shared goals between EcoByte Solutions and the investor
- Clearly communicate aspects that are fundamental to EcoByte’s sustainability values and cannot be compromised
- Collaboratively brainstorm alternative strategies or markets that align with both parties’ interests
- Seek solutions that satisfy the investor’s objectives while upholding EcoByte’s commitment to sustainability
- Foster ongoing dialogue to ensure all parties are aligned and willing to make concessions for a positive outcome
Step 6: Resolve
In this final step, Patricia focuses on diplomatic conflict resolution to maintain positive relationships.
Quiz
Images References
Image by Freepik
