Professional Footprint

There are daily articles about carbon footprints and environmental footprints. Companies and nonprofits are using the concept to market their goods and services: “Reduce your carbon footprint.” “Have a carbon neutral footprint.” “Our new building has a carbon neutral footprint.”

It made me think about another type of footprint – a professional footprint. What is the net impact of your career on the planet and society?

Explore your professional footprint

If you work for Ford and design a car that has poor mileage, what would you need to do in your career to have a neutral professional footprint and make up for this profit at the cost of the planet? What if you work at a private equity firm and specialize in restructuring after M&A deals that leads to layoffs of thousands of employees?

On the other hand…

If you work at eHarmony helping people connect and find love do you have credits you could trade to your friend at Ford? What if you work at a Disney theme park and help bring smiles to the faces of thousands of children? What if you are a doctor or a social worker?

Think about all your jobs, board, pro bono work and other professional activities. How does your footprint look?

Make a impact in your community by donating your pro bono service.