James Lloyd
VSdit profiel is niet in het nederlands beschikbaar
Creating sustainable solutions, starting from curiosity
How can I help organisations create sustainable solutions? That is my # 1 question. It is very necessary and rewarding to find elegant, smart solutions to economic, environmental and social issues that first seem too complex to handle. In my perspective, sustainability is all about people. Technology is important, but the key is in the people... Because sustainability is a learning process.
The beginner's mind
In trying to facilitate that learning, I jump in and work with the people.
Usually in a project I try to approach it from the idea that I don’t know anything: the Buddhist concept of ‘the beginner’s mind’.
The way I like to work:
- work with the people involved to create a solution, in partnership, not from the sideline.
- build from strength: respect the knowledge and experience that is already there.
- using ‘the power of infinite curiosity’: asking questions, investigating, sharing information and ideas.
- connecting people, linking different parties, building trust.
- inviting people to join, rather than ‘laying down the law’.
- create solutions that have real value: in financial terms but also because they are in tune to society.
Respect and connect
Change often feels uncomfortable. So the key is to be non-judgmental, to respect opinions and interests and to work from there.
It is essential that people do not only connect to each other, but also to the problem. Sustainability issues can feel like they are too big to handle, they can be a bit daunting. Helping people to see what they can contribute is essential for them to contribute at all.
Building the bridge as we walk on it
Facilitating learning for sustainability is a part analytical, part non-linear, intuitive process. You build the bridge as you are walking on it, together. Create solutions that work, in partnership. And I love making things that work.