Engaging objectors and influencers

I wanted to share with you one of the most important things I've learned over the past 20 years of implementing sustainability programs with people who aren't necessarily passionate or on board.  That is, aligning your actions with your most conscientious objectors skills and interests.  You know that saying - 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer', well this is how it can help you embed sustainability.  

You know there is always one or two people who go out of their way to take down your ideas or complain loudly when asked to contribute to your sustainability initiatives.  They bring down the vibe and take the fun out of the experience for everyone.  You know who they are! 

It is important to get them on board before they take everyone down with them.  I have found that engaging them by aligning a project or practice with their expertise, skills or interests works like a charm.  Work out what they are really good at and put that at the center of your next initiative.  Ask for their advice.  It doesn't have to be a big thing.  Here's a hypothetical example:

Michelle is the Sustainability leader at her service and Karen is an educator who always complains about getting involved in Michelle's sustainability program initiatives because she thinks it takes away from the children learning key literacy and numeracy skills.  Karen is passionate about teaching children pre-numeracy skills and can often be found talking about key numeracy concepts at the play dough table or construction area.

Michelle could ask Karen her advice around how to engage children in mathematical thinking in the veggie garden or in sorting and weighing recyclable materials collected for craft and construction.  Or perhaps creating some mathematical resources using natural materials. 

There are lots of opportunities to incorporate mathematical thinking and concepts in sustainability - measuring rainfall or temperature, waste audits (sorting and weighing), measuring the space between seeds planted in the veggie patch, cooking using veggies or herbs grown locally, mapping a route to the local bushland or shops, measuring water used for water play, identifying shapes in nature.  The list is endless.  

Karen sees that there is a place for her skills and expertise in Michelle's sustainability initiatives and could then become one of her biggest allies.

There is also another opportunity to strategically recruit the influencers in your service.  There are always one or two people who others naturally follow.  They may have a leadership role, or they may not.  Keep an eye out for these people too and get them on side in the same way.  Tap in to their skills, interests and expertise and others will follow.

Have you succeeded in engaging a team member who you never thought would get on board?  Head over to the Facebook Group and share your stories.

Next time we will look at engaging others through action.  You can build momentum through doing.  Once people start, it's much easier to keep going...

Bron