Sustainability and leadership are symbiotic forces that, when combined, empower companies to thrive in an environmentally conscious, socially responsible and ethically governed world. Sustainability isn’t merely a corporate trend; it’s a strategic imperative that visionary leaders understand and embrace to secure a prosperous future for their organisations.
With the pursuit for sustainable growth and responsible corporate citizenship, organisations must prioritise the development of leaders who not only comprehend but actively champion the principles of sustainability and ESG. This endeavour begins by defining specific leadership competencies that align with these principles, such as ethical decision-making, stakeholder engagement and the ability to navigate complex sustainability challenges. Identifying these competencies is crucial, as it guides the assessment of current leaders and helps in making informed customised leadership programmes designed to bridge any skill gaps.
Mentorship programmes involving sustainability experts can offer invaluable guidance to emerging leaders. Encouraging cross-functional collaboration exposes leaders to various aspects of sustainability within the organisation. Continuous learning, clear expectations and recognition for sustainability-focused leadership – these contribute to a culture where leaders integrate these principles seamlessly into their decision-making processes. By weaving sustainability and ESG into the fabric of leadership development, organisations not only foster ethical and responsible leadership but also fortify their foundation for enduring success in a rapidly changing world.
According to a report of McKinsey, a robust ESG strategy can generate value for the organisation across five pillars: top-line growth, cost reductions, regulatory and legal interventions, increased productivity and optimised investments. And it is totally led by leadership teams; so leadership development is the need of the hour, especially looking from the aspect of shifting situational leadership to transformational leadership.
In India, top textile and apparel companies are in the process of forming an ESG Committee as currently their CSR Committees and ESG team are responsible for decision-making on sustainability related issues under the guidance of Board of Directors and Core management team. So, thrust on leadership development is unavoidable in today’s time.
In many textile and apparel companies, top-level professionals are those who have worked with a particular organisation for decades and have got promoted. But these leaders need newer skills or changes in their work pattern for better coordination with the new generation, be it in terms of communication, work-life balance, stress management etc.
Leadership should not only be restricted to get a job done but it should also identify people’s capabilities of achieving and creating an ecosystem that is conducive and productive for all concerned. One of the most important pre-requisites for being a dynamic leader today is to see and change things and approach as per the demands of the situation and crisis.
The team should feel confident, happy and empowered seeing their leader and not intimidated. Leaders with a sense of superiority make thought processes stagnant and this is aversive for any significant change and development.
Pearl Global, recently organised AIM (Align, Implement, Multiply) Dubai 2023. The event, including CXOs and management of the company, had Tracy Ann Curtis, a seasoned expert in leadership development and strategy execution, as one of the speakers for a stimulating session along with mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik. |
Motivation is one of the biggest factors that differentiates leaders from managers as managers control and solve problems while leaders motivate and inspire.
“Leaders often equate themselves with lions and indulge their desire to dominate when, in fact, the point of leadership is to be secure enough to outgrow the lion within us and enable and empower those around us. But this is not easy as anxiety overpowers the best of leaders,” says Devdutt Pattanaik, a famous leadership consultant, mythologist.
André Lacroix, CEO of Intertek Group, has written a book Leadership with Soul which sounds similar view, “Around 3.3 billion people across the world work every day. We, corporate leaders, have a huge responsibility to make the workplace a better, safer and more sustainable environment for each and every one of them.” His leadership approach puts people at the heart of companies’ growth strategy.
Realising well the significance of leadership progression and enhancement, top Indian textile and apparel giants are actively organising inspirational events and sessions to promote this new concept. Leading apparel exporter Pearl Global, one of the famous textile companies RSWM and India’s home furnishing giant Trident Group are amongst the leading companies besides Aditya Birla Fashions giving major emphasis on leadership development.
Pearl Global, one of the leading apparel exporters with a global footprint, recently organised AIM (Align, Implement, Multiply) Dubai 2023.
The event, including CXOs and management of the company from across the globe where ever it has operations, gathered them together under one roof where they talked about how they learned from their mistakes, achieved success with the support of the team. They learned from each other’s experience, knowledge which in various countries, helped Pearl Global touch new heights in terms of business and sustainability. These efforts helped leadership with better alignment of vision, mission, values and strategies to achieve targets of the company. CXOs had better connect and communication with each other after this event. The event also included a detailed discussion about how good leaders can ensure maximum output from their teams. CXOs also had sessions with Tracy Ann Curtis, a seasoned expert in leadership development and strategy execution and mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik.
RSWM Limited also organised a similar event called ‘Ignite 2026’ that was primarily focused on insights into top leadership and strategies and boasted two power-packed days of brainstorming on how leadership and brand both can embark on their next big mission. Trident Group is also actively into conducting such events but the interesting part is that the company has collaboration with top business schools and even organises various short-term training programmes to promote and boost leadership changes.