Sustainability… buzz word or bridge?

I've read the stats on the survival rates of family businesses, beyond the second and third generations-30% and 10%, respectively. They usually hit an inflection point at generational transitions, or as soon as their size is no longer supported by their often ad hoc, founding structure.  

Many company's unwittingly walk the proverbial plank at this point, maintaining the status quo well beyond its useful shelf life, across success' bell curve to their ultimate demise. 
Those who survive, tend to pivot. 


So what is the pivot, the shift, required for organizational sustainability? 
What is the organization's sustainable, renewable resource after all?

I have long been inspired by the Jewish view that each and every human being, having been created in the image of God, is endowed with infinite value, infinite uniqueness and infinite creative capacity. Notwithstanding the limitations and finite nature of each human life, his /her value, creative capacity and uniqueness are limitless. 

How might leaders cultivate and sustain that kind of abundant individual and collective potential, beyond any given individual or group of individuals?

Below are five sustainability levers worthy of consideration:

• Leadership/Culture- 
• Emphasize Relationships/connectedness, Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose, to optimize motivation and engagement

• Organizational structure, Processes & Governance- 
• Balance Accountability, efficiency, consistency and quality with flexibility

• Team-
• Ensure alignment between individual passions and aspirations with the organizations values, vision and goals.

• Growth and Development-
• Foster a spirit of ongoing discovery, exploration and innovation, where voices are freely expressed and status quo is open to challenge across the organization.

• Client and employee experience and engagement-
• Model and cultivate a co-creative, strategic partnership, rather than transactional model of relationships with internal and external clients 

Organizations today are increasingly serving as platforms for good in the world, as they realize the limitless potential of passionate people, pursuing an inspiring shared vision.

Perhaps values and vision alignment around a shared purpose, within a culture of accountability and discovery, is organizational sustainability's secret sauce?

Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts.