Cultivating "SustainAbility" in networking relationships: Green mentoring

In conversations with colleagues, we've found that "networking" around "SustainAbility" is a distinctive way of relating that has its own set of rules, rewards, challenges and opportunities. When "SustainAbility" is at the center of a networking relationship, the relationship itself is impacted. The passion around the subject and all that's available to be discovered fosters new ways of thinking and valuing everything -- the planet, life balance, organic food and - human relationship. It is precisely in this "discovery" of looking at the "same things" through a different lens...of following product life cycle to its complete "end of life"...that our imaginations are stimulated and cause us to seek the input of others. An interesting phenomena evolving from that - and seemingly taking shape on its own -- is the development of "green mentors". Green mentors not only provide advice, but frequently participate in researching green best practices, analyzing data and achieving environmental goals. From a business perspective, green mentoring helps us overcome what may appear to be insurmountable challenges to those unfamiliar with what is required to develop environmentally sound policies and practices. In the process of equipping ourselves for taking on those challenges, we need a mind set and action plan that provides an environment in which green mentoring can flourish. To get the most from green mentoring, consider the following: * Be humble and truly engage in the discovery process from the point of view of "what you don't know." * Practice patience, allow plenty of time for research, rework and reevaluating your assumptions. * Get involved in a green organization. * Share your best practices with others; include colleagues and neighbors. * Create a community event that bridges generations - particularly tap into the imaginations of children. As we bring others through a tradition of sharing best practices, we enable and empower them to reap the benefits of their own discoveries and innovations along the way. And that builds SustainAble relationships! Nadine Cino, LEED AP, is the CEO & co-inventor of Tyga-Box Systems, Inc., New York, N.Y.