Getting up for work can be difficult, even if you are passionate about what you do every day. You may want to work on other subjects, with other purposes. It doesn't mean you need to change your job; there are many ways to expand your role in your company to suit your inner self.

In my case, I feel more and more concerned by climate change, it's been a few years since I realized that I couldn't just live without worrying about it. But I also know that I have wanted to work with new technologies since I was 14, and those might seem to conflict.

Nowadays I have found a way, or at least a beginning, of compromise: I have taken part in the GreenIT Guild in my company. I find myself working around climate change  and sustainability every week, even when it's not part of my current project. I am learning a lot from people who share my motivation, and I also take ownership of many subjects in order to make my company move forward around these concerns.

What I want to share today is how we manage to plan and lead the Guild in order to have a real impact, as much in the company as in the tech world.

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Step 1: find a project that drives YOU and develop it

But what is the GreenIT guild at BAM ? Briefly, we are a group of about 10 people focused on Green IT and sustainability. We all work in various positions and serve different clients, yet we share a common interest in climate change. The guild has a sponsor, a relay with the company’s head and a mentor who helps achieve objectives and projects. BAM has plenty of other guilds (e.g. Test, Architecture, Animation, User Success), each one has their own members and expertise. I feel that companies see benefits in encouraging such groups which develop expertise, based on their strengths and motivation, that can be shared with other employees and externally, playing a marketing role.

If your company has a guild system, it would be easier to develop your area of interest. Otherwise, you can still find like-minded people and build something together. A formal guild system is not required. You may even be able to design your own that could inspire other employees to do the same. In any case, here is my advice from co-leading a guild for over 6 months, and now being an active member in it.

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Step 2: understand that you’re not alone

The first thing I learned is probably the most obvious, but also the most significant: finding support is key. Initially leading alone was difficult, as members were caught up in their projects and clients; I felt alone. I struggled with dedicating time for the guild. The guild stalled mid-2022. After my 5-week break a colleague became co-lead with me. We met weekly to redefine objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for 2023, in line with our vision for Green IT and sustainability.

Together we brainstormed what we wanted to achieve, both short- and long-term. My second advice would be: clear objectives increase motivation. Ours is: "Support BAM and employees in sustainability/ecological transition in work." We focus on awareness and impact reduction, and each project we have can be related to one of those.

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Step 3: define your goals

Then, the moment to write our KPIs came. As tangible metrics show success, we set 3 groups of 2-3 KPIs for 2023, e.g. "15 eco-audited applications" or "4 internal events." Those indicators need to be related with the objectives but could be anything you want to accomplish during the year. We linked them to our main 2023 projects, that we described with why/goals/plan. Therefore, anyone outside of the guild would be able to understand each project fast. Know that our rules may not suit you, but you may find what works by iterating. Just remember that having intermediate goals to reach quickly is a good way to increase satisfaction thus motivation.

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Step 4: organize weekly meetings

Once your team is growing, weekly meetings all together are a minimum. You may have thematic meetings with subgroups of the guild (e.g. marketing/key project) for a better follow up and commitment. Something I have to remember is although that people have other priorities, small steps will still move you forward closer to your goals. Avoid overloading people with expectations or they may quit. Try to give them as many wins as possible without putting to much pressure on them.

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Step  5: talk about your project

Another part of the work would be to talk to colleagues/other companies with common interests. I personally joined the guild after talking about climate change with a colleague at an afterwork. Open up to people and you will benefit. Even if it's only a good conversation, it's still worth it. You could even gain a new member! External talks show common interests and new ideas or approaches that could inspire your projects and objectives.

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Conclusion

Now, it’s your turn to play ! Purpose, collaborators, objectives, meetings—then act. Be aware that my advice reflects my experience, and what helped during my journey. Yours may differ.

Thanks for reading that far ! The GreenIT guild is on track now, but I will be more than happy if you want to share with me how you manage to talk about sustainability and transition in your company. Maybe we will contribute to the GreenIT community together ?