A Coaching Model By Jun Wang, Sustainable Business Coach, GERMANY
The WANG Coaching Model for Sustainable Business Leadership
The call to coach in the realm of sustainable leadership isn’t just a professional pursuit for me—it’s a passionate mission. I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact that strategic wisdom, organizational strengths, and a nurturing culture can have on businesses. Now, I’m driven to share this knowledge, to guide leaders toward a future where success isn’t just measured in profits but in positive contributions to our planet and society. As a mother, I carry a profound sense of responsibility for the world we leave behind for future generations. This coaching journey is my way of weaving sustainability into the fabric of corporate decision-making, creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond boardrooms.
Visual Metaphor of the WANG (王) Coaching Model
In crafting the WANG Coaching Model, I’ve drawn inspiration from the legacy encapsulated in my family name. WANG written as “王” in Chinese character, not just a name but a symbol of ancestral nobility and dedication, now serves as the cornerstone of a transformative coaching approach.
In the WANG Coaching Model, each letter represents a key element:
- W: Wisdom
- A: Advantages
- N: Nurture
- G: Greatness
The natural order of strokes in writing the character 王 aligning with the sequence of W-A-N-G in the WANG Coaching Model adds a layer of symbolism to the metaphor. The intentional arrangement of strokes mirrors the inherent progression within the coaching framework, further reinforcing the significance of each element.
W – Wisdom:
The initial stroke corresponds to the first horizontal line in writing the character, representing Wisdom. Positioned at the top, it symbolizes the beginning of the journey with wisdom leading the way, where sagacity guides decisions and actions. It sets the direction for the entire organization.
A – Advantages:
The middle strokes follow, positioned in the middle, embody Advantages. It signifies the strategic assessment and protection of organizational strengths. Like the vigilant eyes of a ruler, this line ensures that the kingdom’s unique advantages are recognized and utilized for optimal performance.
N – Nurture:
The vertical stroke, coming before the final stroke, represents Nurture. It emphasizes the foundational role of fostering growth and stability and finally intersects and connects all three horizontal lines. Serving as the backbone, it signifies the core element that enables and unites a collaborative culture and empowered environment where individuals and ideas are nurtured and promoted.
G – Greatness:
The last stroke completes the character, mirroring the pursuit of Greatness as the ultimate goal. It represents the culmination of efforts, reflecting the aspiration to achieve greatness in every endeavor. As the foundation of the entire structure, it emphasizes the lasting impact that can be achieved through collective wisdom, leveraging advantages, and nurturing growth.
The Wholistic Royal Kingdom (王国):
Collectively the metaphor paints the picture of a Royal Kingdom – an organization led by a wise leader, leveraging its unique advantages, nurturing a culture of growth, and striving for greatness. The vertical line of Nurture ensures the cohesion of these elements, fostering an environment where everyone contributes to the success and stability of the entire kingdom.
WANG Coaching Model Explanation
WANG Coaching Model for Sustainable Business Leadership works in a four-step approach:
Step 1. Wisdom – Setting the Direction
1.1: Reflect with Humility:
- Encourage leaders to reflect on their current understanding of ESG principles and their role in sustainable business leadership.
- Emphasize humility in recognizing that there is always room for learning and improvement.
1.2: Gain Wisdom and Vision through Reflection:
- Guide leaders in setting ESG-related goals that align with the organization’s values and long-term sustainability.
- Explore ways to integrate ESG considerations into the overall business strategy.
Step 2. Advantages– Leveraging Strengths:
2.1: Identify Current Practices and Resources:
- Conduct a thorough assessment of existing organizational practices and resources.
- Identify both constraints and strengths, successful strategies, and valuable resources currently in place.
2.2: Create Solutions for Improvements
- Applying the “Constraints vs. Opportunities” Power Tool to explore how these constraints can be reframed as opportunities for innovation and improvement without completely overhauling existing successful strategies.
- Seek synergy between current practices and potential positive outcomes by leveraging existing strengths and creatively addressing identified constraints.
Step 3. Nurture – Fostering Growth:
3.1: Clear Communication of Goals:
- Break down overarching objectives into actionable and measurable targets.
- Develop a communication plan that ensures all stakeholders, from employees to investors, understand the organization’s sustainability vision.
3.2: Empowerment of Ownership:
- Support leaders in empowering teams to take ownership of ESG-related projects and initiatives.
- Provide guidance on nurturing individual and collective growth in the context of sustainability.
Step 4. Greatness – Achieving Aspiration:
4.1: Lead with Positivity:
- Emphasize the importance of positive leadership in driving ESG efforts.
- Guide leaders in expressing gratitude for the collective efforts of the team and fostering a positive work environment.
4.2: Acknowledge Achievements:
- Celebrate milestones and achievements related to ESG integration.
- Reinforce the concept of “Greatness” by acknowledging the positive impact of sustainable practices on the organization and beyond.
Coaching Model Integrates the Elements of WANG
This coaching model integrates the elements of WANG to guide sustainable business leadership with a focus on ESG integration. It emphasizes continuous learning, strategic goal setting, empowerment, and positive leadership practices.
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References
Pagitsas, C., (2022), Chief Sustainability Officers At Work: How CSOs Build Successful Sustainability and ESG Strategies, Apress.
Mclachlan, S., Sanders, D., (2023), The Adventure of Sustainable Performance: Beyond ESG Compliance to Leadership in the New Era, Wiley.
Phillips, P. P., Phillips, J. J., The Green Scorecard: Measuring the Return on Investment in Sustainability Initiatives, Hodder & Stoughton General Division.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E7%8E%8B
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) – Q4 2020, Legislative Train 12.2023, 1A European Parliament, accessed on 26.01.2024