Shifting from the linear ‘take-make-waste’ approach of years gone by to a business model that is rooted in circular, regenerative activities is a bold step in the right direction for business leaders. But making this transformative transition in the face of disruptive external and internal pressures is not something that can be done easily without the support of your people. In fact, as the wise African proverb goes, ‘If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together’. This quote features in the fantastic new book, The Circular Business Revolution. Written by two leading experts in sustainable transformation, it connects the dots between the economic and environmental benefits of introducing circularity into our business models and explains how the human element of our organizations plays a key role in the successful implementation of these changes.
For HR managers, there are valuable insights into how you can transition your business model towards a more sustainable, circular approach without facing backlash from employees. From the mindset, skills and values hiring managers should be looking out for to understanding how to broach the knowledge gap in your current workforce, as well as how to craft effective communications outlining your revised strategies, the book shares tried-and-tested solutions on how to best engage your people along the path towards circularity. It also emphasizes the importance of creating alignment and a shared vision amongst your stakeholders. In doing so, the book argues, leaders lay the foundation for teams to exhibit the collaboration, innovation and resilience needed to thrive amidst global disruptions.
It’s clear from the opening pages that the authors possess a vast knowledge and extensive experience of what it takes to drive meaningful change in our organisations. Professor of Sustainable Innovation and Business Transformation, Julia Binder, from the IMD Business School in Switzerland has spent over a decade dedicating her work to sustainability research and teaching. Dr Manuel Braun is a lecturer at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Director at Systemiq – a global think-and-do-tank which focuses on sustainability.
Another key highlight worth noting is the supremely practical nature of the book’s contents. With interactive worksheets and a huge array of case studies from companies driving sustainable innovation across the world, it provides a framework for assessing your company’s current position and making ambitious yet achievable transformation plans in the future. It’s perfect for business leaders seeking to launch or refine their sustainability strategies and will serve as your trusted guide and source of inspiration for navigating the changing world of work.
The Circular Business Revolution by Julia Binder, Professor of Sustainable Innovation and Business Transformation at the IMD Business School, and Dr Manuel Braun, Director at Systemiq Ltd., is out now (published by Pearson).
