Long term thinking allows us to imagine our visions, our goals and our dreams. Not just in business but in our personal lives too. It can be all too easy to focus on short term goals and gains, especially when those gains are plentiful, or in times when we have so many commitments and obligations that we sometimes just need to get through the here and now, and planning for the future seems less of an immediate priority. But being a long-term thinker offers significant advantages to a sustainable leader, as it aligns with the core principles of sustainability, which focus on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is a skill that should be developed, allowing strong sustainable leaders to have that long term horizon view, seeing future implications of trends and enabling them to learn from the past to create a better future.
Good sustainable leaders are smart decision makers and big-picture planners. Long-term thinkers see the bigger picture and think about how today’s choices affect tomorrow. They plan strategies that not only work now but also set up their team or organisation for future success. By thinking ahead, sustainable leaders can spot potential issues like resource shortages or climate impacts before they become crises. This helps them stay prepared and adapt when things change.
Long-term thinkers prioritise the creation of systems and practices that are sustainable over time. This includes investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and resource-efficient technologies that reduce dependency on finite resources and decrease environmental impact. They are resilient, with a long-term mindset, sustainable leaders focus on building resilience within their organisations and communities. This resilience enables them to withstand and recover from environmental, economic, and social shocks more effectively.
An effective sustainable leader cares about leaving a better world for the next generation. They make decisions that protect our environment, economy, and society, instead of just going for quick wins. Sustainable leaders see themselves as caretakers of natural and human resources. They manage these resources wisely, so they’re still around and in good shape for the future.
Long-term thinkers are usually more open to trying new things, knowing that finding sustainable solutions might mean thinking outside the box. This mindset encourages a culture of continuous learning and innovation. By focusing on the future, these leaders are better at spotting trends and adapting to them—whether it’s new tech, changing demographics, or shifting consumer habits. This helps keep their strategies effective over time.
Thinking long-term shows that you’re serious about sustainability, which helps build trust with employees, customers, investors, and the community. This trust is key to getting people on board with your sustainability efforts. Companies led by long-term thinkers often enjoy a better reputation because they’re seen as forward-thinking and responsible. This good image can attract top talent, investment, and partnerships.
While short-term profits matter, long-term thinkers know that true sustainability means balancing today’s financial gains with investments in the future. This balance is key to ongoing growth and stability. Long-term thinkers are driven by the desire to leave a positive legacy. They work to create lasting changes that continue to benefit society and the environment long after they’re gone. Sustainable leaders who think long-term also focus on mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders. This ensures their vision, and values continue to guide the future and is an extension of the lasting legacy they want to leave behind for future generations.
At Sherrington Associates, we recognise how essential sustainable leadership is to the success of an organisation. We use our 4A Model as a framework for assessing leadership candidates throughout the recruitment process. This helps us understand the candidate’s potential for developing a lasting culture of sustainable leadership.
To learn more about our services, talk to our team…
Culture Diagnostics & Values Assessments
Sustainable Leadership Consulting
