4th principle - "Practice self-regulation"
So LET GO OF CONTROL AND GO WITH THE FLOW
I am creating a series on the parallels between the 12 operational principles of permaculture and the conditions for sustainable transformations of organizational systems. Here is the first post, the second one, the third post. Today we’ll discuss the 4th principle. If you’re a professional changemaker committed to promoting a better society, these principles and insights should help you maximize your impact and inner serenity.
💡 EXPLANATION OF THE PERMACULTURE OPERATING PRINCIPLE
Nature regulates itself to sustain itself.
Leaves fall from the tree in the fall to prepare the soil for the coming winter frost.
Every natural phase plays a role in ensuring nature's self-sustainability. A rotting fruit will fall to the ground and give rise to a new seed.
The cycle of the four seasons teaches us that there is a time for everything: birth, growth, decline, and death.
Why should it be any different for businesses and social impact initiatives?
🔍 ILLUSTRATION OF THE PRINCIPLE AS APPLIED TO A TRANSFORMATION MISSION
As a change agent:
Who hasn't felt frustrated when seeing that an initiative wasn't “taking off”?
Who hasn't been surprised to see an old tool suddenly reappear because a new boss discovered it?
The change agent may often feel torn between the long-term vision and the short-term actions on the ground.
To their colleagues, the agent’s desire to do the right thing may come across as an almost tyrannical control over the behaviors of the ecosystem.
Let me tell you a story.
More than a decade ago, I and a few others within an organization pioneered the idea of assessing and reducing its carbon footprint—and doing so for clients.
We launched related training and calculation tools. We presentedmaterialsto demonstrate the value and urgency of these practices. We emphasized the importance of using a company’s internal carbon price to inform operational and business decisions.
Then, there was an echo. We received some positive feedback. But the practice was far from becoming systematic and firmly established in our daily business operations.
I began to wonder if I wasn't missing the point.
And then, sometime before the COVID-19 pandemic, the tide began to turn. During the pandemic, customers started asking for help in becoming “carbon neutral.”
Suddenly, the stars began to align.
Regional and country managers were emphasizing the importance of measuring and reducing the company’s carbon footprint in order to lead by example and then help customers with their own transformation journey.
All of a sudden, analyses and processes were picking up speed at every level.
What is the moral of this story?
Were our efforts premature? Were we useless?
I think it's mainly a matter of timing and determination.
Everything eventually comes to those who wait and are prepared.
🐝 TIPS TO GET MOVING
I believe that the role of changemakers in organizations is as follows:
“Sow seeds, nurture the soil, work with eco-friendly farmers, trust natural cycles, and support harvests.”
So how do you actually do it?
Clearly articulate the “why,” “what,” “how,” and “when” of your project:
Engage your stakeholders by emphasizing the “why” and “what for” of your project,
Create the conditions to collaborate with your stakeholders and bring the “what” to life,
Let them figure out the “how” and “when,” while offering support as needed.
If you feel very frustrated because of a blockage:
Ask yourself, "What stage is my project in?"
Maybe it's hibernation season. If so, find out how to protect the foundation.
Next, move on to a project that is in the pre-flowering stage.
Everything changes, and as the season changes, the new avenues for action will surely become more apparent.
My final word is? Trust yourself and go with the flow.
“Do notfear sadness; it is the vivid reminder that something beautiful once existed.”
IF YOU FOUND THIS POST INSIGHTFUL, PLEASE LIKE IT AND SHARE IT WITH MEMBERS OF YOUR NETWORK WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM IT.
IT'S THE BEST WAY TO SUPPORT ME.
Hello, Changemakers!
I am Nina, an impact maker coach specializing in leadership, sustainability, and organizational transformation.
I have spent the past 10 years leading sustainable change at a Fortune 500 company in a multicultural environment. Through my work, I aim to inspire professionals in organizations to rethink business and make them proud to contribute, in their own way, to a more sustainable, people-centered, and nature-friendly world.
If you'd like support to move forward on your journey with greater impact and ease, contact me!
