Questions and conversation starters
Inspiration for the tool
Developed by the Norwegian innovation factory.
Rationale: Why is this needed?
This set of questions that can be used in the contracting phase of the guidance process to start a conversation around the issue of sustainability and to connect this issue with clients’ situation. Of course it is not appropriate to use all questions, but practitioners can build their practice of asking them in an appropriate and natural way.
Note: Starting with environmental issues is not always the most effective entry point for green guidance. In many cases, clients are more immediately concerned with experiences of meaninglessness, exhaustion, overperformance, relentless pressure to do more, “bullshit jobs,” inequality, health problems, or exploitation at work. These concerns can help open critical discussion about the representations of work and serve as gateways to conversations about sustainability – because ultimately, all these issues are connected to the broader ecological crisis. For more, please check the Green Guidance Handbook.
Objectives
- Start a conversation about sustainability in a guidance process
- Help the clients connect the issue of sustainability with their situation
Conversation starters / questions for discussing sustainability
Future of Work and Its Transformations
- You mentioned being interested in the field of ____. Have you thought about how this profession might evolve in the near future? (For example, in relation to AI development, climate change, or the green transition?)
- Major changes are coming, driven by technological advancements and ecological transformation. These shifts will require new skills, rethinking work practices, and adapting across almost every profession. How do you feel about this?
- In your opinion, what are the main forces that will shape the future of work?
- What skills do you think will be essential to thrive in the workplace of tomorrow?
- Why do you think our generation has to adapt more frequently in its career than our parents’ generation? How do you think this will change for future generations?
- Do you see potential risks in the transformation of work due to automation or ecological constraints? How can professionals prepare for them?
- What role do you think career guidance professionals should play in preparing individuals for these transformations?
Opportunities in the Green Transition
- What career opportunities do you see emerging from the green transition?
- What skills do you believe are necessary to secure a job in the green economy?
- How do you think job opportunities will evolve as a result of the ecological transition?
- What types of jobs or professions do you think might disappear, and why?
- Can you name any companies or organizations focused on sustainability? Would you be interested in working for them?
- How could you grow professionally to become an active contributor to environmental change?
- What positive impacts could the green transition have on the profession you are interested in?
- Which industries or sectors do you think are leading the way in sustainability? Does this interest you?
- Can you envision yourself working in a sector directly involved in the green transition? What types of roles would align with your skills and aspirations?
- What new sustainability-related professions do you think will emerge in the coming years? Do you see any within your field?
Understanding Sustainability in Career Development
- What do sustainability and the green transition mean to you personally?
- How important is it to you that your employer or the company you work for values sustainability? Why?
- When thinking about your professional future, how do you connect your environmental impact with your personal fulfillment?
- Do you feel that integrating sustainability into your career choices could bring you greater meaning or motivation?
- Are there any inspiring figures or organizations in your field that are known for sustainable practices?
Personal Engagement in Sustainability
- How do you imagine contributing to the green transition in your work? What small concrete actions could you take to make your activities more environmentally friendly?
- What changes in your sector or profession would have the most positive impact on the environment? How could you be part of these changes?
- What “green” initiatives in your field inspire you the most, and why?
- What aspects of your daily life or current job already reflect sustainable practices? How could you reinforce them?
- What skills or knowledge do you think you need to develop to contribute to a more sustainable world in your field?
- How could you inspire your colleagues or coworkers to adopt more sustainable practices at work?
- If you were to lead a sustainability-focused project in your workplace, what would it be?
Values and Personal Legacy
- What are the most important values for you in your career and professional life?
- What values have you inherited (from parents, teachers, mentors) that you are proud of? What values would you like to pass on to future generations?
- What legacy do you want to leave behind? How would you like to be remembered for your contributions to a sustainable world?
- If you had to write a personal mission statement that integrates sustainability, what would it say?
Imagining a More Sustainable World
- If you could design your ideal professional future, what role would sustainability play in it?
- In your dream career, what changes would you like to see around you regarding environmental protection or collective well-being?
- Imagine your industry adopts a sustainability-driven strategy. How could you prepare for this transition?
- Imagine your profession in a world where sustainability is the norm. How do you think your role would change?
- What positive changes would you like to see in your sector in the next 10 years? How could you contribute to these changes?
- If you see your career as a way to leave a positive impact on the world, what would it look like? In 20 years, what do you hope to say about your contribution to a more sustainable future?
- What small or large changes would make your industry more sustainable? How could you play a role in making these changes happen?
Assessing the Impact of a Profession on the Planet and Society
- If you had to evaluate the environmental or social impact of a typical day in your job, what would you say?
- What aspects of your profession or sector should evolve to become more environmentally responsible?
- How could you use your talents or knowledge to address global challenges like climate change or social justice?
- If every company in your industry had to reduce its environmental footprint by 50%, what would need to change?
Global Challenges and the Role of Work in Society
- In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges businesses face today? Who should be responsible for addressing them? (e.g., social justice, climate crisis, economic instability, etc.)
- Which global or societal issues affect you the most emotionally? What injustices or problems make you feel the need to take action?
- What kind of world would you like to help build for future generations?
- What global, societal, or community challenges would you like to contribute to solving?
- If you could make one significant change in the world, what would it be?
- What job opportunities or entrepreneurial ideas align with your aspirations? How could you explore them?
- Do you see your career as a means of making a difference? How do you define success beyond salary and job title?