One of the most rewarding aspects of my volunteer role as chair of the ICRS is the opportunity to meet fellow CRS professionals. At a conference recently I was chatting to a senior consultant who had just completed his application to become a Member of the Institute.

When we designed the application process we were very much guided by the profession and the feedback was unanimous – in order to be meaningful, the application process had to be evidence based and membership secured firmly on the basis of merit. That said, we understand that at Associate and Member level, the process requires an investment of time similar to applying for a new job.

After confessing that he’d taken a few months to get round to completing the application, the consultant went on to say that he’d actually found the process not only useful but also enlightening. After 20 years in the sector, providing evidence against the competencies and guiding principles prompted him to remember all manner of achievements he’d long since forgotten. A type of ‘achievement amnesia’ where past successes were too frequently eclipsed by the next metaphorical mountain to climb.

Working in CRS can be a challenge, especially for those who are committed to driving purposeful change. There are many knocks and setbacks along the way and those who thrive in the profession are invariably those who understand the importance of persistence. But even the most robust have days when the ship feels too impossibly large to turn – which is why we all need to remember our achievements, celebrate our successes and use them to propel us forward.

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe