The reality is we all want simplicity. Clarity and simplicity. And companies are no different. Whether it’s a safety management plan or an environmental Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), if there’s one thing it shouldn’t be, it’s overly complex.
Unfortunately, this does not bode well for the multi-disciplinary world of sustainability. Conceptually, the world of progressive environmental responsibility can be complex and confusing. Even the most experienced environmental professionals can lose focus and get lost in the lingo. Invariably, this can lead to long consulting hours and high billing rates.
So why do it? Why enter the sustainability mix?
Let’s look beyond the fact that it’s the right thing to do.
Quite often, businesses, and safety and environmental departments in particular, approach work in a very cyclical way. This is largely driven by permitting schedules that define baseline work and the myriad of in-time responses made necessary by production. With the importance of details in each of these scenarios, weeks and months fly by with regulations and reporting serving as mental bookends for staff.
While it may sound big, innovation is achieved simply.
The fact is we need to step outside these boundaries and take another look at the systems that define our businesses—not just in S&E, but in production and administration as well. While it may sound big, innovation is achieved simply. By viewing that which is commonplace from another perspective, and then pursuing the opportunity that presents itself, significant strides are made.
The truth is, there are opportunities within your organization—within all organizations. Opportunities to improve performance, add value and put the focus on your department. You just need to get started. Focus on what is relevant to your business, conduct an audit, define some quick wins and set some long-term goals. Innovation isn’t all about brilliance. It’s about focus and determination.