You're facing resistance from suppliers on sustainability. How will you navigate this challenge?

My little guide to dealing with resistance to Change in Sustainability 1. Starts by introducing the topic in a neutral but interactive (ex: some facts on the program, the impacts, maybe a simulation) 2. Listen and understand the drivers and values of the team and people you interact with. Sustainability may not be their priority but is very likely linked to their work (e.g., climate change is a risk for the Finance team). Showcase how the two topics can work together. 3. Document and track the resistance arguments and build a "resistance plan" (e.g., "Sustainability is a loss of money" -> Highlight brand and compliance risks and their financial impacts.). 4. Repeat and improve the above!

Lo primero que debes hacer es socializar e informar a tu cadena de abastecimiento sobre "la sostenibilidad", hablarles de ejemplos globales de grandes empresas que tienen procesos más maduros, pero enfocarse principalmente en cuáles son los objetivos que quieres alcanzar como clientes y que esperas de ellos como proveedores. La mejor manera de hacer esto es situándose en su realidad, en su contexto económico y de país. Esto te permitirá entender por donde puedes iniciar procesos sostenibles con cada proveedor o con cada grupo. El darles orientación, capacitaciones, herramientas y recursos, es esencial para que tus proveedores no lo sientan como una imposición sin valor o una invasión, sino que vean los beneficios para su propia organización

What I have seen in my experience is that some control tools are permitted, such as: measuring and defining targets for supplier participation in assessments on the topic of sustainability, in a quantitative way (beyond subjectivity) and a very clear strategy about what for these scenarios: 1st) for those who refuse to present a result in these evaluations and 2nd) for those who present a low performance. In the first scenario, I understand that the supplier's decision must reflect a change in the commercial relationship with the supplier and in the second, support these external partners in development.

This a strategic and collaborative approach: Understand Their Concerns: Have open discussions to understand their challenges and reasons for resistance. Highlight Benefits: Present clear evidence of the long-term benefits of sustainable practices, such as cost savings and improved market reputation. Offer Support: Provide resources, training, or incentives to help suppliers transition to more sustainable practices. Collaborate on Solutions: Work together to find mutually beneficial solutions that address both your sustainability goals and their concerns. Set Clear Expectations: Communicate your sustainability requirements clearly and integrate them into contracts.

Open communication is key to identifying the root causes of their apprehensions, whether they pertain to cost, feasibility, or changes in operational processes. By actively listening to their perspectives and addressing their worries with tailored solutions and clear benefits, you can foster a collaborative approach to sustainability. This understanding enables you to provide the necessary support, resources, and incentives to help suppliers transition smoothly, thereby turning potential resistance into cooperation and shared commitment to sustainable practices.

Follow 6 good steps in how to educate partners: 1. Understand Needs: Assess partners' current knowledge and concerns to tailor educational materials. 2. Develop Materials: Create guides, case studies, and FAQs to cover sustainability basics and industry-specific practices. 3. Workshops and Training: Host interactive workshops, online webinars, and invite expert speakers for practical learning. 4. Ongoing Support: Establish a support team, provide an online resource library, and send regular updates. 5. Peer Learning: Facilitate peer learning groups and networking events for experience sharing. 6. Monitor Progress: Track progress, provide feedback, and align education with incentives to motivate commitment.

Education is definitely key and would combine both education on running a sustainable practice and legal requirements around ESG and sustainability. Sharing experiences and conducting analysis on other projects would help to determine the right combined strategy and set clear goals related to sustainability.

Once you understand your suppliers' reservations about sustainability, focus on educating them about its long-term benefits. Highlight how sustainable practices can lead to cost savings through improved efficiency, reduced waste, and potential access to new markets. Share success stories and case studies that demonstrate tangible benefits and showcase industry trends toward sustainability. Providing training, resources, and support can help suppliers overcome initial challenges and see the value in adopting sustainable practices. By emphasizing the positive impact on their bottom line and the broader environmental and social benefits, you can foster a more cooperative and forward-thinking partnership.

Once you've grasped your suppliers' reservations, educate them on the long-term benefits of sustainability. Explain how sustainable practices can lead to cost savings, enhanced efficiency, and a stronger corporate image, boosting customer loyalty. Use industry success stories to illustrate these positive outcomes. Education is key to shifting mindsets and encouraging suppliers to adopt sustainable practices by highlighting how such changes can benefit them in the long run.

Once you understand your suppliers' reservations regarding sustainability, focus on educating them about the long-term benefits. Share your knowledge on how sustainable practices can lead to cost savings, improved efficiency, and a stronger corporate image, ultimately enhancing customer loyalty. Highlight industry examples of successful sustainability efforts to demonstrate positive outcomes. Education is a powerful tool that can help shift mindsets and encourage suppliers to embrace sustainable changes.

To facilitate the transition to sustainable practices, provide tangible support to your suppliers. This can include offering resources, sharing best practices, or co-investing in projects. By delivering technical guidance and financial incentives, you demonstrate a commitment to their success, which can transform resistance into collaboration and make sustainability more accessible and appealing.

To facilitate the transition, offer your suppliers support in implementing sustainable practices. This could involve providing resources, sharing best practices, or even co-investing in sustainability projects. Support can take various forms, from technical guidance to financial incentives. By demonstrating investment in their success, you foster a collaborative spirit that can make the prospect of change less daunting for suppliers hesitant about sustainability efforts.

To facilitate the transition, offer tangible support to suppliers in implementing sustainable practices. This can range from providing technical assistance on eco-friendly technologies to offering financial incentives or co-investment in sustainability projects. By demonstrating a commitment to their success and providing practical solutions, you can alleviate concerns and make sustainability more accessible and appealing.

it’s all about finding the right incentives. Start by showing them how sustainable practices can save money in the long run or open up new market opportunities. Share success stories and offer support to help them transition smoothly. It’s a mix of education, collaboration, and making it worth their while to get on board with your sustainability goals.

Incorporate sustainability metrics into your supplier evaluation process, offering incentives like longer contracts or larger orders for those who excel in these areas. These rewards not only motivate suppliers to adopt sustainable practices but also reinforce their alignment with your broader sustainability goals, creating a win-win scenario that drives positive change.

Creating incentives for sustainable behavior can be a highly effective strategy. Consider integrating sustainability metrics into your supplier evaluation and selection process. Suppliers meeting or exceeding these criteria could receive benefits such as longer contracts or larger orders. These incentives serve as tangible rewards for adopting sustainable practices and can motivate suppliers to align with your sustainability goals.

Incentivizing sustainable behavior can be a powerful motivator. Integrate sustainability metrics into your supplier evaluation process and consider offering incentives such as longer-term contracts or increased business volume for suppliers who excel in sustainability practices. These incentives not only reward positive behavior but also align suppliers' interests with your sustainability goals, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership.

Building strong relationships with suppliers through regular communication and mutual respect creates a foundation of trust that eases the adoption of sustainability practices. When suppliers feel valued and understood, they are more open to collaboration and more motivated to align with your sustainability goals.

Building solid relationships with suppliers involves fostering a collaborative approach that emphasizes partnership rather than mere compliance. Engage in open dialogues to understand their concerns and challenges, showing empathy and a willingness to work together towards shared goals. Maintain regular communication to keep suppliers informed about your sustainability objectives and expectations, ensuring they feel supported and valued throughout the process. This ongoing interaction helps build trust and encourages a cooperative effort towards achieving sustainable practices.

Strong relationships form the backbone of any successful business partnership, including those focused on sustainability. Invest time in building and nurturing relationships with your suppliers. Regular communication, trust, and mutual respect can greatly help overcome resistance. When suppliers feel valued and understood, they are more open to discussions about sustainability and more willing to collaborate on initiatives that benefit both sides.

Use industry networks and partnerships to create a collective push towards sustainability. Collaboration with other companies can apply additional pressure and provide a support system for suppliers to adopt sustainable practices.