Introduction:

In the ever-evolving landscape of industries grappling with change, management consultancies working with learning find themselves in a peculiar predicament. As our world progresses at an unprecedented pace, some consultancies struggle to adapt to the shifting needs of their clients. They scramble to offer services veiled in sustainability and environmental consciousness, desperately trying to salvage their relevance.

Why Not Make A Code of Conduct for Green Change: 

To support the green change agenda, let us establish fundamental rules that we can communicate as a code of conduct: 

1. Create transparency of the cost of CO2 in all decisions and dialogues. 

2. Agree on the full consumption impact, including the usage of online tools, flights, travel costs, foods etc. 

3. Reflect on alternative low-impact solutions. 

4. Be proud of making the right decision or revisit rules 2 and 3. 

Echoes of Resistance:

This situation eerily resembles the agricultural practices in Denmark, where barriers are consistently erected, obstructing the path towards doing what is right for our planet and environment. The management consultancy industry, much like Danish agriculture, has become entangled in its resistance to change, hindered by a reluctance to embrace the necessary transformations demanded by our times.

The Missed Opportunity:

A glaring reality emerges when we examine the current situation. Despite the pressing need for environmental transformation, many management consultancies are falling short. One need only look at the lacklustre offerings from some of the top firms and academies to recognize the issue. Some of these offerings appear to be nothing more than shallow marketing ploys, devoid of true commitment to change.  

Another argument supporting the lack of movement is the fact that we have 10 green games and none of them are being used!  

“The Green Cantina” walks the players through the process of becoming a green cantina, this game has been used in gaming leadership sessions only 23 times in 2023! 

Another green game is called “Full Speed Ahead” working with a green change within a production company and looking at greenwashing and specific business issues when sustainable changes are on the agenda. This game has only been added to skill training and workshops 6o times in 2023!  

To give you a scale our regular games are played in thousands…….    

As an industry, we are missing the train, failing to grasp the urgency of the moment. 

Moving at a Glacial Pace:

As part of the learning industry, we tread cautiously on the edge of progress, recognizing the urgency of green initiatives primarily to attract new clients or new typically young colleagues (with a high interest in workplace values). We have failed to internalize the intrinsic necessity of environmental stewardship and sustainability. This approach does a disservice to our collective future. By failing to push the agenda and become catalysts for sustainable green changes, we relegate ourselves to mere followers, dictated by the whims of our clients and eroding our influence in the process. We are not using our skills and knowledge in the right way here!

Identifying the Roadblocks:

However, we must acknowledge that the blame cannot solely rest on the shoulders of the industry. Government policies and regulations can act as roadblocks, impeding progress and stifling innovation. The responsibility to prioritize financial success, driven by shareholders, adds another layer of complexity. The entanglement of profit motives, regulatory constraints, and the need for transformation creates a labyrinthine landscape that is challenging to navigate.

Breaking Free from Conformity: 

Nevertheless, if we continue to be shackled by the chains of conformity, if we allow ourselves to be complacent in the face of imminent change, we risk irrelevance and obsolescence. The urgency for a paradigm shift is undeniable, and it falls upon us, the management consultancies, to lead the sustainable charge. We must shed our reluctance, challenge the status quo, and forge a new path that intertwines profitability with sustainability. We must actively engage in shaping the future we want to see. We have the knowledge, skills and power……  

Embracing a New Era of Consultancy: 

It is time to break free from the above constraints that bind us and embrace a new era of consultancy. In this realm, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic success coexist harmoniously. We must rise above the barriers, catalyzing the transformation our industry desperately needs. By doing so, we can reclaim our influence, reshape the narrative, and leave a legacy that will inspire generations to come. And serve as a magnet for business!  

A Code of Conduct for Green Change: 

To support the green change agenda, let us establish fundamental rules that we can communicate as a code of conduct: 

1. Create transparency of the cost of CO2 in all decisions and dialogues. 

2. Agree on the full consumption impact, including the usage of online tools, flights, travel costs, foods etc. 

3. Reflect on alternative low-impact solutions. 

4. Be proud of making the right decision or revisit rules 2 and 3. 

Personal Commitment & Initiatives: 

At Actee, we are proud of the initiatives we have undertaken. We don't fly or drive to meetings, we prioritize sustainable practices, and we have developed green games and models to support the agenda. By engaging in a new Game for Green research project, we leverage AI to create games that have a real impact on consumer and organizational CO2 reduction. Individually, we strive to incorporate the green perspective into all our decisions and priorities, whether it's through conscious consumption or personal commitments. 

Inspiring Change: 

I urge you to join me and Actee (Act now or swim later) in this journey. Let us inspire each other to embrace sustainability and environmental consciousness. Together, we can be the catalysts for change, reshaping the management consultancy industry and leaving a lasting positive impact on our planet and future generations. 

Conclusion: 

The chains of conformity may bind us today, but we have the power to break free. The urgency for environmental transformation in the management consultancy industry cannot be ignored. By shedding our reluctance, challenging the status quo, and embracing a new era of consultancy, we can lead the way towards a future where profitability and sustainability go hand in hand.

The choice is ours, and the time for action is now. Let us forge a path that will shape a better world for all. 

Leif & my pal ChatGPT