What is the recipe for strong social value leadership?

Halting the effects of climate change. Creating a more equal, fair society. Solving complex global issues such as homelessness, hunger, and poverty. These aren’t small battles. But they’re necessary ones. And they’re going to take more than one person doing the right thing. 

Long-term, large-scale social and environmental change requires many individuals, organisations, and networks to step up and working together. Underpinning this entire movement are the strong, influential leaders ensuring we’re heading in the right direction. Significant progress starts at the top. 

When you think about it, social value is all about change. Changing processes, operations, and our ways of thinking to achieve better outcomes for people and the planet. We aren’t going to make progress by approaching business the way we always have.

Central to effective, transformational change – social value or not – is having high-quality leaders to help navigate it. To become more sustainable, impactful businesses, we need people in positions of power who influence and inspire others to do better. Leaders who help build a common understanding and prioritisation of social value. And that lead by example – delivering direction, alignment, and commitment to their people.

Perhaps this person is you. Or maybe it’s someone you’re looking to bring into your department, organisation, or upcoming projects. Either way, strong social value leadership requires a unique skill set.

Let’s look at what it takes…

Skill set #1: A passion for doing good

We’re past the point where leaders can afford to be half-in on their social value journey. The scale of change needed to save our planet and overcome long-standing inequalities can’t be achieved if we have one eye on our impact and one on our profits and bottom-line.

People want to work for and with organisations who care about their impact. It’s why 93% of employees believe companies must lead with purpose and 70% wouldn’t work with one that doesn’t.

Insincerity and approaching social value for the wrong reasons will stand out a mile to your staff, customers, and investors. It is your empathy for others and passion for making tangible progress that will light a fire in the people who will help you realise your vision.

The road to a better planet and society isn’t going to be easy. And it’s your passion and strong sense of purpose that will keep you pushing forward, even when you encounter challenges or hardship.

Skill set #2: Thinking creatively

Complex social value, sustainability, and ESG ideas won’t have a quick fix. We’re talking about issues that are deeply-entrenched in our society and ways of living. And they’ll take years – if not decades – to unpack.

It’s essential that our leaders are able to zoom out and think creatively about how to combat the unique challenges we face – both in the short- and long-term.

Overcoming homelessness is more than providing new temporary accommodation in your community. Mitigating global warming is more than just installing an energy management system into your offices. These are fantastic solutions, yes, but only half of the battle. 

Leaders must be willing to think bigger about the impact they can have – whether that’s by partnering with other organisations and institutions or leaning on technology and innovation. Can you partner with a local homelessness charity to address the root cause of the issue in your area? How can you set a standard across your global supply chain to increase visibility and reduce emissions in-line with global goals?

Skill set #3: Learning from mistakes

Like we said, changing the world isn’t a straightforward task. Creating bold new initiatives means taking risks. Sometimes, it won’t go the way you expect. But what sets a strong leader apart is their willingness to take the lessons from these initiatives and build upon them.

Increasing social value should be an iterative, ongoing process. Rather than being scared to make the wrong move, we need leaders who have the vision to make tough decisions and learn from any mistakes made along the way.

You can always assess the data and rethink from there. If something doesn’t go to plan, be curious about why. Analyse the data, make improvements, and try again. An initiative that you feel “falls short” is just as important and valuable as one that goes exactly as expected.

Skill set #4: Building strong networks

Social value is a team game. To see the results you want, you’re going to have to build a strong network of talented, equally passionate people to bring along with you. The complex issues the world faces span endless topics, sectors, and disciplines. It’d be impossible to approach them alone or even within just one department.

The best leaders will know when to ask for help and when to lean on the expertise and experience of others.

They’ll also know how to engage people most effectively. Strong social value leadership is less about dragging people behind you and more about inspiring and uplifting others through your own actions. It’s leading with influence, not authority.

Strong businesses need exceptional leaders. And sustainable ones are no different. To make the greatest possible impact on your people, local community, and the wider planet, you need people at the top who are leading with purpose, passion, and grit.

Impact is the perfect partner for your social value mission. We’re an intuitive, framework-independent platform that puts your entire social value process on autopilot. Decentralise data capture to ensure all progress is captured, design surveys with ease to give beneficiaries a voice, and generate engaging reports in a few clicks. To find out more, schedule a demo, or get in touch with the team on 0161 532 4752.