Principle 12, derived from permaculture, to guide your mission of transformation
" Use and make the most of renewable services and resources”
I am writing a series on the parallels between the principles of permaculture and change within organizations to help change agents create sustainable transformations.
💡 A Simple Explanation of the Principles of Permaculture
Permaculture is an agricultural method that aims to integrate human activity into the natural environment in order to create highly efficient, self-sustaining ecosystems.
The permaculture principle we're going to explore today is fairly simple to apply but is often overlooked. We are encouraged to "use renewable resources."
Renewable resources are those that can be replaced and replenished, taking into account the time required for their production.
Let's take an example from everyday life: your energy level. Chances are you'll often feel full of energy if you:
Listen to your body and mind.
Rest when you feel tired.
Get enough sleep.
Meeting inspiring people.
Spend time doing things you enjoy.
On the other hand, you might end up exhausted—or even break down—if you do the exact opposite for a longer or shorter period of time.
This permaculture principle also encourages us to make the most of what’s here and now. In organizations, this means your time, your current projects, your ideas—and even those of your colleagues and partners.
🔍 Applying the Principle in a Transformation Initiative
Let's consider a key factor in the success of change agents within organizations: support from top management.
Applying this permaculture principle means avoiding the need to seek approval from every decision-maker within your organization before launching your project. You can still be credible and make a positive impact by launching a pilot project with a committed and enthusiastic sponsor.
When I started working at Veolia Asia more than 10 years ago, I conducted sustainability assessments at our operational sites. This approach was not only a good way to connect with the field and understand their challenges, but also to get a 360-degree snapshot of the site’s operations and overall performance.
I noticed that the operators were very happy because:
They felt recognized and supported.
They had facts and information to highlight the positive impact of their work to clients and members of the local community.
They quickly identified priorities for action to improve performance and cross-functional projects that were often overlooked.
This type of assignment helped bridge the gap between the "field" and "headquarters" in a positive way. It was the people in the field who communicated their needs to headquarters, not the other way around.
Despite this positive feedback, I had a hard time getting approval from the unit directors to conduct these evaluations.
One day, during a seminar, a manager—whom I’ll call John—told me, “Stop asking them. Come work in my area. You already have more than thirty locations open to you. The rest will follow.”
You know what? He was right. Within a few years, his organization’s success stories led other organizations and countries to implement sustainability assessments.
🐝 Tips for Getting Active
I suggest you look around and identify:
Three people who can support you in your endeavors (for example, mentors, a coach, a dedicated sponsor, inspiring peers, or a friend who listens to you).
Three activities that give you the energy you need to keep moving forward (for example, here are mine: yoga, walks in nature, spending time with my daughter, and music).
Three projects that could create a ripple effect and inspire others to get involved in the movement you’re launching (for example, the “human factor” mural, assessing the carbon footprint of business solutions, and revising employee bonus systems to take into account their social, societal, and environmental actions).
So, do you realize how much abundance surrounds you? One step at a time. I trust you to move forward in the direction you want. If you need to move faster or more efficiently, please feel free to contact me.
As we conclude this series of articles exploring the parallels between permaculture and organizational transformation, I would like to acknowledge and thank two authors and books that have been a source of inspiration:
"Everything Goes in Circles on This Earth, and We're the Only Ones Who Don't Know It " by Marine Simon
Solène Pignet's Guide to Sustainable Entrepreneurship.
I recommend that you read these books if you want to learn more about permaculture and how it applies to everyday life.
"Aman is not unhappy because he has ambition, but because he is consumed by it."
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Hello to you, agents of change!
I'm Nina Cambadélis, an impact coach and expert in leadership and sustainable transformation.
For more than 10 years, I was in charge of transformation and multifaceted performance initiatives at a multicultural CAC 40 company. What I love to do is help organizations and professionals rethink their business and make them proud to contribute, in their own way, to a more sustainable, humane, and nature-friendly world. If you’d like some guidance on your journey, contact me!
