Much of the success of corporate ESG/sustainability programs and achievements hinges on how those connect with the company strategy – and the CEO’s vision and goals. I write a good deal about this, and PracticalESG.com’s content emphasizes that as well. But how do you know what your executives are – or should be – thinking? McKinsey’s The CEO’s essential checklist: Questions every chief executive should be able to answer helps answer that question. McKinsey
“crystalized how the mindsets that underpin [their book CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest] translate into practice in each of the six responsibilities of the CEO’s role: setting direction, aligning the organization, mobilizing through leaders, engaging the board, connecting with stakeholders, and managing personal effectiveness.”
The questionnaire itself seems fairly self explanatory but the article discusses each question in some detail. It could be useful either as a guide or as a check to see if you are on the right path already.
ESG leaders, staff and advisors: Looking at each question/component through your lens provides insight on opportunities to connect to the company strategy and CEO. For instance, it is easy to see how ESG/sustainability fits (or should fit) into the first two questions. The third question fundamentally boils down to ROI. Other questions relate to the CEO at a personal level, requiring more thought on your part to find those connections.
Members can learn more about communicating ESG/sustainability business value here.
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