The word ‘ecology’ comes from the Greek word “oikos” meaning household or place to live thus signifying the “place to live” for the whole planet.
Ecology is not the study of plants, animals, and other living organisms. It is the study of the relationships between living organisms and their physical environment. The connection between one another, and the connections they have with their entire ecosystem.
An organization is a system in itself, existing within the eco-system of the planet. Everything is interconnected.
A decision from an individual or an organization can have an impact on the environment.
And vice versa, a change in the environment can have an impact on the individual and on the organization.
Hawkins uses the example of plastic which we created, used massively and then thrown away massively. Either into the earth where we grow the food we eat, or into the sea and consumed by the fish which we also eat. One big and disastrously harmful interconnection.
We humans can no longer dominate this same eco-system, we are merely a humble part of it. We cannot function without the other living elements who share the eco-system with us. And they probably would not function well without us either.
So, what can an ecologically conscious coach, as myself, do to contribute? By definition we as coaches need to stay neutral. But by adopting a systemic approach (blog #4), the ecological dimension will naturally be present in all coaching sessions whether we willingly want it to be there or not.
The ecological dimension (present both outside and inside of us), could potentially come into play when tackling subjects such as anxiety, making sound decisions, being fair, doing the right thing, defining purpose, finding meaning, motivation, finding balance, looking to be a better version of oneself, eating better, exercising…
As the climate crisis deepens, the need to act will be felt throughout every organization. It is something every manager and leader will have to address. Naturally or forced on by rules and regulations. There will be no choice.
“So, what can you do that will make a positive difference?”1 will probably become one of the key coaching questions for the ecological conscious coach in times to come.
1 Peter Hawkins, Systémique Coaching