The Sustainability Transformation is a must-read for anyone trying to make sense of what is happening to our world – and wanting to change it for the better. Renowned consultant and communicator Alan AtKisson, author of the sustainability classic Believing Cassandra, cuts through the jargon and illuminates the essentials in this highly readable and motivational work. The Sustainability Transformation covers theory and practice, tools and strategies, the opportunities and the obstacles, illustrated with in-depth case studies and poignant personal anecdotes. AtKisson's aim is to empower the reader and to help grow a global 'army of change agents,' working effectively to overcome the great challenges of our times. At the heart of the book is AtKisson's potent ISIS Method, used by business, governments, and organizations around the world. ISIS - Indicators, Systems, Innovation, Strategy - helps professionals, students, and amateurs alike to put sustainability to work and accelerate change, even when facing difficult circumstances. AtKisson also introduces the reader to many inspiring people, unsung heroes whose success stories provide a solid foundation for hope. Previously published in hardcover as The ISIS Agreement.
I appreciated the "how to read this book" suggestions at the beginning. I read it mostly front to back but I definitely agree that the 'meat' is found in chapters six and later. I found chapters six and seven the most useful. None of concepts are complex but that's what the AtKisson approach is good for - helping to simplify our own views on sustainability amidst all of the ongoing science, technology, and economics that can easily cloud the original goals. I recommend this book to anyone that is either a new or aspiring sustainability professional, or to experts from one discipline who find it difficult to see sustainability objectives in a broader sense.
At times, the simplicity can be tedious and I did find myself occasionally mired in metaphors, parables, and acronyms. ISIS.. Compass.. the Pyramid.. the AMOEBA.. some people will love the mnemonics but it reminded me a bit too much of boardroom conversation. I would have liked to see more about how these tools are applied. There are some anecdotes and journal entries but the real challenge is in execution, not memorizing the acronyms. I understand that the consultancy is there to work with organizations on the execution but I don't think the book quite stands on its own as a manual. An exercise workbook supplement and more case studies would significantly increase the value of this book.