Collaboration: Include all the Crayons in the Box

Blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Company
Nov 30, 2010 2:06 PM ET

Taiga Company blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Compa…

"We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, while others are bright, some have weird names, but we have to learn to live in the same box."  Anonymous 

Sustainability has been described as a continuous improvement process that challenges businesses to balance business expectations as well as the changing expectations of the external environment.  It is often demonstrated by raised eco awareness, innovation, technology advancement, risk management, and proactive change.  In each case, the common thread of collaboration can be seen through all of these actions.    In pursuing sustainability, by definition, we are aware of the dynamic relationship with the people and environment in which we live out their daily lives.  Whether incorporating sustainability concepts into everyday living or creating a sustainability plan for a business, the ability to effectively engage the outside world in the process is critical to success.   "Sustainability helps build a new level of partnerships not just based on product development but based on sharing knowledge and expertise in order to accelerate transformation." Director of Sustainability at AkzoNobel.   In the corporate world, most business leaders agree that achieving real bottom line improvements, whether through cost savings or improved revenues, is critical to business sustainability.  However, these bottom line achievements are the result of close collaboration with key stakeholders committed to the business’s success.   Harnessing the power of social media, the internet and social media provide  individuals, communities, businesses, and non-government organizations the ability to connect with business in meaningful discussion from anywhere in the world in real time.  To focus the corporate ear, business sustainability minded organizations are engaging with stakeholders, who have a vested interest in the success of the business, as source of actionable information.  These interested parties include: click here to continue reading.  

Home to one third of the earth's trees, the Taiga is the largest land-based biosphere and encircles the globe. Its immense oxygen production literally changes the atmosphere and refreshes the planet. It is this continuous renewal that has shaped Taiga Company's vision to drive similar change in the business world. Taiga Company seeks to be the "oxygen for your business".

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