Reflections on One Year at Encolor
Wow! It’s been one year this August since I joined Encolor.
It truly feels like I got here in the blink of an eye. When I started, I never could’ve imagined that in just a few months we’d be operating in a federal environment attempting to threaten and devalue the very values Encolor was built on, that words central to our mission would be banned, that our industry and nation would undergo dramatic shifts, and that our core work in clean energy would be undermined and attacked.
I also could’ve never imagined meeting the brightest minds our industry has to offer. Each person that I’ve met has broadened my perspective, taught me something, or challenged my thinking. From our a clients, to people I’ve met at conferences, to friends of Encolor, I have met the most fascinating people.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting colleagues across this country, and, without exaggeration, I can say I am consistently blown away by a conversation that I’ve had. And, if you’re reading this, I can confidently say that you are a part of this story. Thank you for being a part of our journey and contributing to shaping who we are.
As I reflect on my time here at Encolor, I want to share a peek behind the curtain as to what I’ve learned and what makes us special:
1. This work requires boldness and some creativity.
In order to build a future of something we’ve not quite seen before, there’s a bit of art and science. I’ve watched our team build ideas and concepts with our partners, develop frameworks and approaches from loose, abstract visions to actionable strategies that result in better outcomes for someone else down the road — systemically. Sometimes this looks like choosing to add an additional interview to a process so that we live the value of all voices being heard. Or pivoting with a client midstream to change their equity-focused language, but making sure the original intent and benefits behind their programs are not lost.
2. A growth mindset is critical.
A bit of discomfort is good. Behind that push is where the growth happens. We can all likely remember when we were children and our little legs were stretching and growing. Well, we should feel a bit of that intellectually as well. I’ve watched people evolve—me included. When you work wtih Encolor, you can expect curious and challenging questions that make you reflect on the “why.”
3. Words matter.
There are countless phrases and words that our industry uses daily, and most of us haven’t stopped for a moment to ask, “What does that mean in this context?” Innovation, equity, success, and community are a few examples. I’m sure you use these words in your work, but I invite you to pause and reflect on what they mean in the scope of your work and responsibilities. We’ve taken organizations through exercises to create true definitions of these words that better guide and inform their strategies and tactics.
4. People, processes, and outcomes.
There’s a school of thought that says, “If you want a strong system, build it around processes, not people.” But I think that misses something critical. People aren’t disruptions to the system — they’re the conduit for action to lead to transformation. Ultimately, we strive to get people to take action. Whether that is you as a leader motivating your team to carry out a vision you have or asking a customer to install a heat pump, people are the key component. If we want real outcomes, it’s not just about designing processes; it’s about recognizing how people, relationally and as a function of systems, actually make those outcomes possible. Which is why our people-centered approach strengthens the work that we do and lifts the entire boat.
5. Hard conversations are necessary.
Hard conversations clear the way for honesty, alignment, and growth. Transformation doesn’t happen without them. What I’ve learned is that it’s not just that these conversations ha.ppen — it’s how you show up for them that matters. At Encolor, difficult conversations are handled with presence, care, and a focus on moving forward. That doesn’t make them easy, but it does make them constructive. I’ve witnessed us talk about how we feel. I’ve watched us challenge each other’s thinking and walk away saying, “You’ve helped me change my thinking on that.” I’ve witnessed how a psychologically safe environment, within our team and with our clients, can remove hurdles and clear paths for people to find the courage to shift.
I’ve learned more than I can fit here, so the next time you see me, I’d love to share. But for this, I hope that you take away a better understanding of the fabric of Encolor. I hope that you have gotten a chance to see who Encolor is beyond the training, evaluations, and strategic planning, and why who we are makes this such a special place to work, and a special team to work.