Change Management by GreenChoice Bank | Foresight Design ...

GreenChoice Bank is a community bank with a mission to promote greater environmental, social and financial well-being. GreenChoice ? who recently opened their flagship location in Logan Square at the Green Exchange ? became a sustainability-oriented business after they acquired a longtime community bank. According to Steve Sherman ? GreenChoice?s Chief Operating Officer ? they wanted to retain community banking?s focus on customer care, while transforming their philosophy, culture, lending practices, facilities, communications and marketing to align with their new mission.

This process included everything from remodeling their buildings for LEED certification to working with Foresight Design Initiative to train their staff in sustainability principles.

BENEFITS:
Efficient, sustainable operations have lead to savings on utilities like energy and water. But Steve emphasizes that the most important outcome of GreenChoice?s focus on sustainability has been their expanded focus on marketing and community outreach, as they have empowered their staff to proactively call upon sustainability-minded businesses, individuals and companies as they grow their business.

CHALLENGES:
Steve notes than cultural change is always difficult, especially within institutions. It has been hard work getting everyone on the same page and invested in what the company is trying to accomplish. Additionally, they have undergone a lot of change in a short period of time, which can make it difficult to prioritize tasks along the way. Communication, Steve says, is key. During their transformation, they have relied upon weekly check-ins to keep staff focused on the big picture.

ADVICE:
Steve wants other businesses to know that while change can seem daunting, it is doable. Small changes add up, and over time, businesses will find themselves growing into changes they have already made, and maintaining these changes with greater consistency. Businesses should remember that ?change management? is a process that is never fully complete, and allow themselves to celebrate their successes along the way.

Source: http://foresightdesign.org/blog/2011/09/bestpractice-greenchoice/

espn live nick vujicic wolf math games cool baku wisconsin badgers football