Sustainability Leadership Interview Report

This report analyzes interviews conducted with employees from various companies (Sainsbury's, Land Securities Group, O2, Marks and Spencer, Scottish and Southern Energy, Centrica, and Deloitte UK) to understand the role of leadership values and communication in driving change towards sustainability. The interviews explore the importance of sustainability for both the individuals and their organizations, detailing specific situations where sustainability-related decisions were made. The analysis highlights the crucial role of leadership skills in navigating complex sustainability challenges, emphasizing the importance of communication, trust, and shared values in fostering a culture of sustainability within organizations. The report also examines the potential risks and rewards associated with prioritizing sustainability initiatives, including reputational impact and attracting customers who value environmentally and socially responsible practices. The findings underscore the need for strong leadership and effective communication to successfully implement sustainability strategies and achieve long-term organizational goals.

Sainsbury’s
1. Can you describe your position in the organisation, your main responsibilities and
how long you have had this position?
[Taken from previous interview] I am in the packaging division of the company at mid-level
position. I am working with this company for the past five years. For the initial three years I
was overlooking the procurement of strawberries from few suppliers, but now I shifted for
some change.
This interview will be for the topic, the role of leadership values and communication in
the process of change towards sustainability for one of our research. So please respond
accordingly.
2. How important is sustainability for you as a manager? And for your company?
Sustainability is an important area for the future of any company and for me as a manager, I
see it as an element that help strengthen whatever we do. There are many companies that
have adopted sustainability and our company is doing this too. It is integral to conducting
business in the industry we are into.
3. Were you ever involved in a situation that required a decision concerning
sustainability related issues? Can you describe it and your role in it?
As I have already told you, I was actually in the team where such element came up. It was
about building better relationship with the organic food suppliers. We had new employees on
board. It was necessary that they are taught our values so that they can take the sustainability
part forward.
4. Was that a situation in which you think your leadership skills and values were
important?
Look, if you are willing to bring in change within the organization, if it is of any nature, then
you have to rely at least 80% on the leadership and only 20% on the management. It is
always important that companies have good leaders. Values are also important part. It helps
in shaping the decisions and behaviours of a person. Leadership drives in creating value when
needed.
5. How did your senior communicate with employees? What did he do exactly?
Asking the employees about the things that are important to them was the way my senior
adopted. He helped put policies to communicate anything about the issue before moving
further. The meetings to openly communicate why sustainability is important for the
company and how our department can take this further were conducted at three instances.
Also, he tracked the progress and conducted individual meetings when necessary to bring the
employees on track.
6. What was at stake in that time?

As I said previously, the use of values within the company helps build reputation among
anyone who is looking up to the company. Also, if we are seen as an organization who values
sustainability more than other things, then there is no doubt we will attract good customers.
7. Are there any other things you would like to add related to the conversation we have
had?
Look, as I said, my senior decided to work with his employees in implementing the values
using his leadership skills. He could have hunted other areas to accomplish this such as by
talking to the top management, implementing harsh rules for us, but he didn’t. Instead he
decided to communicate with the team which is a sign of good leader. My senior was a good
leader.

Land Securities Group
1. Can you describe your position in the organisation, your main responsibilities and
how long you have had this position?
[Taken from previous interview] I am working as material procurement manager in the
company in the United Kingdom. My main responsibilities are to handle the materials that
come from the vendors during construction. I only handle bricks or blocks. This is my second
year here.
This interview will be for the topic, the role of leadership values and communication in
the process of change towards sustainability for one of our research. So please respond
accordingly.
2. How important is sustainability for you as a manager? And for your company?
Sustainability is back bone for our company in a way. Our organization practice sustainability
in two ways, one is employee sustainability and another is environment sustainability. I am
majorly concerned with the environment sustainability and to some extent with the employee
sustainability. When I work with the suppliers, then I ensure that whatever materials we bring
on board for the constructions are not having negative impact on the environment at present
or in the days to come.
3. Were you ever involved in a situation that required a decision concerning
sustainability related issues? Can you describe it and your role in it?
Always, in a manner, I already told you I am new to this company and still I clearly
understood the importance of decisions that are beneficial for the environment. In the field of
construction, the decisions such as what materials to be procured, what mode of transport to
be used, and other such decisions all of them have different environmental impact. As I told
you in the earlier interview, procurement of material form few non-green certified suppliers
was of concern for me. I was leading the procurement decisions and I decided to make some
changes that from my side. I took strong decision not to procure from them.
4. Was that a situation in which you think your leadership skills and values were
important?
Leadership skills is very important when you are required to take decisions that you might
think will have greater negative effect than the positive ones in the eyes of others. It helps
understanding the complex problem and breaking down to come up with solutions rapidly. I
can say leadership skills are a necessity for anyone who is working on key positions like me.
On values I will say that in large organizations such as mine, it already exists and as a new
employee, as I was, you need to adjust or adopt the new value system. When I joined the
company, I learned new values and some of them were reinforced as I already carried some
of the important values for a leader like honesty, and trust. Your people, whether senior or
junior, should trust you and your honesty. This is the key to their support to your decisions.

5. How did you communicate with employees? What did you do exactly?
This was strong and sudden. There was no discussion with my subordinates in this case. I had
faith that they will not disagree. You are to take such decisions some times when you handle
such key positions. Leadership skills, if I talk about that, is important in such cases as leaders
are required to take decisions in the spur of the moment while ensuring that it will have
positive long term impact.
6. What was at stake in that time?
The reputation of the company could have been impacted if such things come in the news.
How can our company boast of sustainability if our vendors are not green? Being a good
leader it becomes a responsibility that I take decisions that are for the greater good, call it
sustainable orientation, and not for the shorter goals.
7. Are there any other things you would like to add related to the conversation we have
had?
Always hire managers with leadership skills and they must be honest and trustworthy.

O2
1. Can you describe your position in the organisation, your main responsibilities and
how long you have had this position?
[Taken from previous interview] I am in to the sales. I handle the area sales for Cotswold
valley covering Castle Combe, Painswick, and Bibury. I have eleven employees working
below me. I joined as field sales and now I am as area sales manager. Ten years.
This interview will be for the topic, the role of leadership values and communication in
the process of change towards sustainability for one of our research. So please respond
accordingly.
2. How important is sustainability for you as a manager? And for your company?
My company always look forward to the sustainability aspect of the business and that is the
reason it came up with various products that are environment friendly such as O2 Refresh,
universal charger, phones of eco rating, etc. Sustainability, particularly supporting the
environment is bound to help everyone grow. I personally believe that the sustainability, if
properly focused by the management, can take the company very far.
3. Were you ever involved in a situation that required a decision concerning
sustainability related issues? Can you describe it and your role in it?
In general, I do involve in various situations where issues come up that requires making
decision towards sustainability. In my line of business, I have choice of either pushing the
sale of the products that are less sustainable in comparison to other product types. I have
always relied to choosing the alternatives that have supported the sustainability.
4. Was that a situation in which you think your leadership skills and values were
important?
If I must say, in my line of business, you do need leadership skills to guide your employees to
adapt to new strategies that are towards sustainable business. The leadership skills that are
most valuable in my company are problem solving skill and guiding others towards particular
solution. I have faced numerous situations where it becomes important that I come up with a
solution that can remove the obstacle, whether it is sailing through tough sales time or
coming up with ways to develop products that are sustainable for the environment and in
demand by the customers at the same time. Two values are most important, loyalty and
optimism. I prefer to see people who are optimistic about situations and ready to come up
with solutions for that instead of fretting over the issues. These two values, I believe can
become guiding light for any tough times. We expect our employees to be loyal to our
company and act in a way that is supportive to the company and not against it.
5. How did you communicate with employees? What did you do exactly?
The decisions are communicated to the employees in two ways based on the circumstances. If
the decisions have been made collaboratively, then it is clear to everyone and no further

actions are required except brief at the end of the meeting. The closed door decisions are
shared through mails as required. In any of the situations I talked about earlier, I prefer direct
communication.
6. What was at stake in that time?
We look for improving the image of the company in the long run. We want to help our
company survive for longer.
7. Are there any other things you would like to add related to the conversation we have
had?
No

Marks and Spencer
1. Can you describe your position in the organisation, your main responsibilities and
how long you have had this position?
[Taken from previous interview] I am in the material procurement division. I connect with
the suppliers and build relationship. I have been in this company for the past five years. When
they need to build new suppliers group, I come handy.
This interview will be for the topic, the role of leadership values and communication in
the process of change towards sustainability for one of our research. So please respond
accordingly.
2. How important is sustainability for you as a manager? And for your company?
Sustainability is important. I value it and so does my company. I look for sustainability in
every action I take. I am more concerned with social aspects. I build relationships that are
supposed to be sustaining for the business for longer periods.
3. Were you ever involved in a situation that required a decision concerning
sustainability related issues? Can you describe it and your role in it?
No.
4. Was that a situation in which you think your leadership skills and values were
important?
If my opinion on leadership skill is required, I can say that it is very necessary for any
sustainable business. And values, that are too are very important. Businesses cannot think
about sustainability if it is not based on strong values. Stronger the values, better you can rely
on it for sustainability.
5. How did you communicate with employees? What did you do exactly?
I do communicate with my colleagues on questions that concern me such as sustainable
option in the department we are handling and how we can take things further and others.
6. What was at stake in that time?
Sustainable business builds your brand. This is important.
7. Are there any other things you would like to add related to the conversation we have
had?
No.

Scottish and Southern Energy
1. Can you describe your position in the organisation, your main responsibilities and
how long you have had this position?
[Taken from previous interview] I look after the meter installation in Exeter and few
surrounding areas. There are 23 employees working under me who are engaged in the meter
installation.
This interview will be for the topic, the role of leadership values and communication in
the process of change towards sustainability for one of our research. So please respond
accordingly.
2. How important is sustainability for you as a manager? And for your company?
Sustainability is important in my view and in my company’s view also. We are in the energy
business and as I have told you earlier, sustainability has big place for us. We look forward to
fulfil social obligations and that is how we consider being sustainable.
3. Were you ever involved in a situation that required a decision concerning
sustainability related issues? Can you describe it and your role in it?
I try to fulfil the social obligation through my department. I ensure that the people living in
the area that I am handling are effectively consuming energy without wasting unnecessary
amount. I believe it my department’s obligation that we help our consumers in understanding
how to efficiently use the energy with lesser wastage. The role I undertake for the
sustainability is not a one-time action, it is on-going. Every day I take decision towards
improving the energy consumption. I instruct my subordinates to look for homes that are
whether efficiently using energy. This is how my looking forward to help the planet in the
days to come, a step towards environment sustainability.
4. Was that a situation in which you think your leadership skills and values were
important?
Leadership skills and values are strongest part of any individual or company that can help in
achieving bigger objectives. Leadership skills like motivating others and teamwork is
important within an organization. In my situation, I am constantly required to show the first
leadership skill that is motivating others. You see, the task I given my subordinates that is to
assist locals in understanding energy use is not always endorsed by my company directly and
so it becomes a kind of overtime activity. In such situation, motivation skill comes handy.
5. How did you communicate with employees? What did you do exactly?
My method of communication is team meeting, and also one on one discussion when
required. I prefer personal meeting more than group as it becomes far easier to motivate one
individual. Also the other individual get enough opportunity to put counter questions which is
good for better clarity.

6. What was at stake in that time?
Social obligation is what every business should fulfil and so does my department.
7. Are there any other things you would like to add related to the conversation we have
had?
No.

Centrica
1. Can you describe your position in the organisation, your main responsibilities and
how long you have had this position?
[Taken from previous interview] I am in the customer service of the company. I handle more
than twenty customer service employees at once. I am working in this company for the past
fifteen years. Too long!
This interview will be for the topic, the role of leadership values and communication in
the process of change towards sustainability for one of our research. So please respond
accordingly.
2. How important is sustainability for you as a manager? And for your company?
Sustainability is necessary for energy companies like us. I think I value sustainability more
than anything else when I work in the company. My company is in energy business and it has
kept holistic view towards sustainability covering major aspects.
3. Were you ever involved in a situation that required a decision concerning
sustainability related issues? Can you describe it and your role in it?
I focus on sustainable customer service. My goal always is to keep the customers engaged,
and foster transparent interactions. Improving customer experience is what I believe is a step
towards sustainability. Sustainability as most believe is not only about environment, it covers
almost all areas of the business and I handle one small from the large pie. I, being into the
customer service department, ensure that all the queries of the customers are handled
properly. For this, I continuously train my staffs on this matter. Even I engage in individual
counselling.
4. Was that a situation in which you think your leadership skills and values were
important?
Leadership skills and values are important. My values are honesty and integrity which I
showcase using my leadership skills. I take bold decisions that are customer friendly. I care
more of my customers than any other thing. I know one thing, if I am honest for my
customers, they will be with us. For better sustainability, it is necessary that I demonstrate
leadership skills whenever required among my subordinates. It is a good thing that my
subordinates know my value and they value it. They know what I expect from them which is
also a good leadership skill, I say, which is communication skill.
5. How did you communicate with employees? What did you do exactly?
Individual discussion is mostly preferred.
6. What was at stake in that time?
Satisfied customers are loyal customers.

7. Are there any other things you would like to add related to the conversation we have
had?
No.

Deloitte UK
1. Can you describe your position in the organisation, your main responsibilities and
how long you have had this position?
[Taken from previous interview] I am in the auditing. I with my subordinates conduct
auditing of the companies on various aspects. It has been six years for me in this
organization.
This interview will be for the topic, the role of leadership values and communication in
the process of change towards sustainability for one of our research. So please respond
accordingly.
2. How important is sustainability for you as a manager? And for your company?
Sustainability is important for my company. I believe in this too. What is more important for
me in the sustainability is the financial sustainability. Though it is a new term in the business,
but focusing on the financial sustainability, is I believe help company keep everyone happy.
The reason is that the finance is the base of the company and it must be strong.
3. Were you ever involved in a situation that required a decision concerning
sustainability related issues? Can you describe it and your role in it?
Once relationship with our stakeholders was dwindling due to poor economic market
situation and this also impacted the level of investment. This was impacting our motto
towards financial sustainability. I supported the organization in taking decisions that were
more likely to bring the company towards sustainability. Let me tell you some of them. One
was improving the relationship with the shareholders and customers. Another was improving
the financial reserves of the company and correctly handling financial overheads.
4. Was that a situation in which you think your leadership skills and values were
important?
Yes. Leadership skills are necessary part, particularly for individuals like me who
continuously brim with ideas for change. My ability to come forward and suggest measures
helped the company in a big way I believe. I value meaningful work, recognition,
responsibility and self-respect. These are four key values that I depend on most. I took the
situation as my own responsibility and suggested actions that brought this company and me
self-respect and recognition among peers.
5. How did you communicate with employees? What did you do exactly?
It was an informal conversation with my senior that caught up my senior attention.
6. What was at stake in that time?
Our reputation, and lots of finances.