Sarah Roberts

SMART Objectives need to be tracked over time. Use key internal and external resources for monitoring and evaluation. For example your annual impact report or set up an internal working group that meets quarterly to track progress and minute this. I co-founded the green elephant network in one organisation I worked in a we meet regularly to drive sustainability goals internally - we changed internal policies for example being able to take the train rather than short haul fly. Share stories of success along the way and fail forward if a goal isn’t met.

With so many ways to reach people today, we can end up in a frazzle of spreadsheets, WhatsApp messages, emails and calendar reminders. Taking time to plan out key moments for the team and schedule events in Q4 each year and then set up systems and evaluate at least once a quarter will keep everyone on track. I like to plan the year ahead in November and Schedule in quarterly reviews for all the team involved. What systems do you use to keep everyone motivated and onboard?

Check in with your team by having stand up meetings with a 5 minute update on priorities for the week and month ahead from each person. Build in some fun remembering to acknowledge the non work moments and the richness and diversity of team input. Be flexible and adaptive by planning in evaluation points - did we do what we going to do? How successful was it? What changed and why?

Diversity makes teams stronger and wiser. Each time I plan a strategy and monitor it's delivery, I begin with the team undertaking a personality test so we can each explore our own strengths and communication styles. We share our results and all get to know our preferences for communication. We keep this top of mind when delivering on the strategy and reporting on quarterly targets.

Make plans outside work hours. Does your team play sport? Do you have a football or baseball comp you can join? Can you organize regular lunches? Think about ways to break up the 9 to 5.

Keep it simple and ask yourself some questions first. Would you want your children to be a consumer of your product? Why or why not? How are you going to ensure you are producing something that will benefit the planet and people who your company is targeting? Get feedback from your constituents and be bold in your vision for a green and healthy environmentally friendly and people friendly product.