Generational Pact for the Future Climate
No matter which book we open on the subject of change management or transformation - the first chapters and phases described always include the "wake up call" or "awareness", i.e. the creation of awareness of the need or urgency of an upcoming change. If this has not been established by the company concerned, I can just picture all of the people looking into my eyes indifferently, incredulously, sceptically or critically without any sparkle: "What is he talking about?" .. "Why does something have to change?" ... "And if so, what does it have to do with me?"
It is precisely these situations that stimulate, animate and motivate me. Yes, I see it as my job to inspire these people with spirit and passion for change, to convince them of a new vision. I want a jolt to go through people and then through the whole company or organization.
Admittedly, when I think of such thoughts, I tend to have the image of not quite so young people in mind. More so, the representatives of the Baby Boomers or Generation X. That may be subjective and maybe not entirely fair.
When it comes to the topic of climate change, however, my perception is still coming into focus. Aren't we already a step ahead? Isn't Generation Y and even more so, Generation Z already alarmed and calling loudly for action? The “Fridays for Future” movement is certainly a living example of this. The author Anders Indset, even insists in his book “Quantum Economy”, that we are no longer talking about climate change, but about climate collapse, since it is not five to but already two to twelve.
So, are Baby Boomers and Generation X being motivated by Y and Z to rethink the rescue of our planet? Throwing such a question into the room may be too easy and sound too general. I would like to express a hope, a wish:
If we combine the strength, will and future ambitions of the younger generation with the experience and realism of the older generation, we can combine the necessary positive forces for change into a future worth living.
So far so good. Nice words. Now comes the challenging part. The implementation of this topic is complex. Sometimes it seems contradictory - and again and again we face a stalemate, coupled with perplexity: "And how exactly should that work?" ... "Tell me exactly what you mean" ... "Give a concrete example"..."And what does that mean for the economy? "..."How should a company tackle this now? "
This is exactly the right time to point out the new book "Climate Change in the Economy". The publicist Dr. Alexandra Hildebrandt released it. She is known for letting the “makers” have their say. In this book, representatives of generations X and Y give concrete examples of how they tackle the topic of sustainability. Because sustainable thinking and acting in the economy is one of the main prerequisites for preventing a climate catastrophe. The book provides concrete suggestions for companies, managers and employees. Because everyone can contribute - together and across generations.
Reading - thinking - discussing - cooperating - doing: That is also my motto.
Link to the book “Climate Change in the Economy” (German: Klimawandel in der Wirtschaft)