Embracing Discomfort: Shared Leadership for Sustainability – Financial Times

Instead, as investment in renewable energy grows, De Boers and Wells say it becomes even more important to be patient and compassionate with industry partners and customers who remain wary of changes in strategy across the supply chain. In such a situation, strong leadership requires understanding and the ability to find common ground.

“In these conversations, everyone tends to have one thing in common: a greener future,” Wells says. “This How where different views are held. How quickly can we make the transition? How do we get there? So, use “what” as a reminder that you have common ground when you have to have difficult conversations with partners, clients, colleagues or competitors.”

By focusing on the “what,” De Boers and Wells say, leaders can take their organizations out of their comfort zones and make sustainability a core part of their culture. Hence the unpleasant conversations about how they can become more and more comfortable.

Society is moving towards a low-carbon economy. So are ING’s clients, and so is ING. The Bank finances many sustainable activities, but still finances other activities that are not. Find out how ING is progressing at ing.com/climate.