Hermes Consulting’s IRiS method views the organisation as a living system, walking towards its vision, guided by the light of its purpose and values.
When we think of the act of walking, we tend not to dwell on all the fine, coordinated movements we make in fluent succession.
To perform them, our body must connect all its parts, and it is the nervous system that brings this magic to life.
In an organisation, the Nervous System is represented by executive leadership and managers, as they are the key hubs capable of sending messages to the body while also receiving them, keeping everyone aligned on the path ahead.
This is why they are called “leaders of sustainable transformation”: because it is through them that the shared purpose is kept alive.
The role of the leadership team in sustainable transformation
Our IRiS methodology holds that achieving the “change journey” requires, first and foremost, a leadership team that is cohesive and aligned around a shared purpose, which can be translated into a practical, action-oriented strategy.
To take action, we can support leaders in reflecting on key questions:
- What principles do we want to pursue?
- What matters most to our organisation?
The leaders of the future create and share Vision and values, adhere to them consistently, and cascade inputs throughout the entire system by communicating and conveying them clearly.
The leadership team strengthens its impact by becoming a “Unica-Mente Together”.
It creates a shared space for mutual understanding and awareness to define its vision and translate it into a practical, action-oriented strategy.
How can you engage and steer the whole organisation towards the journey of change?
With IRiS, we design ConVision sessions that foster co-creation among managers, clarifying the future strategy, resolving issues that could derail it, and delivering cross-functional goals.
With IRiS, leadership teams are guided to share the meaning of the journey across all levels of the organisation, ensuring that everyone can contribute to the outcome.
Finally, they know how to harness people’s energy and passion, enabling them to express new skills and new ways of working, fostering a culture of accountability, and steering towards self-regulation and empowerment.
Research by Accenture in collaboration with the World Economic Forum highlighted that one of the top priorities for organisations over the next three years is “to become truly sustainable and equitable companies”. This is a virtuous and strategic transformation: not only does it safeguard our future, it is proven that having sustainable DNA generates higher profits and successful results.
In our experience, to foster sustainable transformation, every leader must draw on several key ingredients:
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Values & purpose
The leader of sustainable transformation looks and walks towards common goals, guided by a shared vision and a purpose oriented towards sustainable development.
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Inclusion
When making decisions, leaders must be able to put themselves in the shoes of all stakeholders involved, preserving trust by choosing the path of the common good, with actions that generate a positive impact for the entire community. They must therefore foster an open and inclusive environment where everyone can step forward and have their voice heard.
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Open mind
The leader of sustainable transformation views the organisation as a hub for human growth serving a better life for all. As such, they create an environment where new skills and strategies can be tested, driven by commitment and creativity. They have a growth mindset and remain adaptable, with a broad perspective, open ears, and a genuine care for people.
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Transformative learning
To discover new and better pathways, the transformation leader nurtures open, horizontal communication, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and experience while embracing continuous learning.
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Digital transformation
Finally, they know how to innovate responsibly with emerging technology ensuring no one is left behind, thereby generating social and organisational value.
