Six things no one tells you about becoming a leader
Becoming a leader for the first time can be isolating. Here’s what the management playbooks don’t tell you, and some advice on dealing with the new dynamic....
Brain Circuits
Tesla: Exclude, engage or just invest?
With a mission “to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy,” Tesla should be a shoe-in for investors with environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns. Yet, with controversial corporate practices related to ESG factors, the investment decision for responsible/sustainable investors is not so straightforward.
Despite lofty goals that could revolutionize the automobile industry with an inherently “good” product – making zero-emission electric vehicles mainstream, Tesla investors also have to consider their material ESG issues in their corporate practices and policies.
Put yourself in the shoes of an ESG investor. What are the most important material factors for you? (choose three per criteria)
- Tesla would expedite the move from a mine-and-burn hydrocarbon economy toward a clean electric economy.
- Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy is aligned with Triodos’s transition themes.
- Elon Musk is a true visionary and pioneer in the clean energy field.
- Tesla and Musk, himself, are publicly involved in governance, labor and human rights controversies.
- Elon Musk’s remuneration package is excessive.
- Elon Musk social media activity affects firm’s value
- Tesla’s IPO was on June 29, 2010. Its stock has grown exponentially since the IPO.
- Contract workers at Tesla sign arbitration agreements that could hide labor relations abuses even sexual harassment.
- Since 2014, workers have filed 145 complaints with California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing, alleging discrimination at Tesla on the basis of race, age, gender, disability, medical leave, pregnancy, sexual orientation and national origin.
- Tesla is selling carbon credits to other car manufacturing companies that do not comply with CO2 regulatory target yet.
- Tesla’s 8th of February adoption of cryptocurrency defies corporate finance norms
Elon Musk accused of Bitcoin market manipulation in February 2021 by top economist Nouriel Roubini
Final Poll question: Given your findings would you invest in Tesla?
(a) yes, with no hesitation
(b) yes, but I want to challenge them to do better on ESG issues so I would engage
(c) no way! Tesla is overvalued
(d) no, Tesla doesn’t align with my values
(e) other…
Feel free to post your answer in the comments section below
Authors
Related
Is your leadership blind to neurodivergence?
Learn practical strategies for recognizing neurodivergence in the workplace, turning behavioral differences into strengths through culture-aware leadership....
How to be a good mentor
Learn how great mentors listen, ask better questions, and guide growth—helping mentees gain clarity, confidence, and take meaningful next steps...
Bricklayer to architect: Seven transitions for leaders
Understand the seven major changes in leadership mindset and capabilities required for successful transition to enterprise leadership, as detailed by Michael D. Watkins....