Business schools and executive education programs need to start thinking differently about how they frame these issues for those future leaders. But how?

As someone who's been on both sides of the fence-as social sustainability manager for Ford and now a guest lecturer teaching at the University of Michigan's Erb Institute -- I've come up with a few ideas for how innovative business programs can, and in some circumstances already are, tackling this challenge:

Think like a diplomat -- multilaterally.

Business schools are only as strong as their weakest economist. A multi-disciplinary faculty will provide students and the companies that hire them with the kind of systems-oriented insights they need to address sustainability holistically.

As the quest continues to reduce greenhouse gases, the automobile industry is pressed to produce and sell electric vehicles. But what of the cost? And we're not only referring to the price point differential of a battery.

The impact of lithium-the bribery and corruption that will exist by mining and operating in politically unstable countries, dangerous working conditions, the impact on indigenous populations, and the water used to extract the raw materials are all system variables that need to be balanced beyond the triple bottom line.

Redefine the case study.

Beyond stories about successful light bulb replacement programs and carbon offsets, there are multitudes of business case studies that explore companies' broad-based sustainability strategies. For example, a new book by Erb Institute MBA/MS students, "Hybrid Organizations," profiles for-profit but social mission-driven companies for whom sustainability is core to their very existence, but manifested in very different ways

Sleep with the enemy -- then kick them out of bed.

Relationships with corporate partners, advisors and funders are invaluable to business schools because they give business students access to real-world ideas and insights. But sustainable MBA programs should constantly challenge even their staunchest financial supporters in order to ensure that they, and their students, are never greenwashed.

Embrace complexity, think in systems, understand mental models and be humble.

It is time to better understand diverse cultures and the global challenges of sustainable development. While MBAs can get excited about the money to be made in energy markets, technologies, turbines and solar panels now that this technology is mainstream, the MBA should learn about the problems, policies, risks and opportunities for leadership and establishing new markets.

Only when business education programs challenge their own "business as usual" can they truly prepare students to address the social challenges associated with sustainability not as hurdles, but as business opportunities.

David Berdish, manager of social sustainability at Ford Motor Company, is a guest lecturer and a member of the advisory board for the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise at the University of Michigan.

Image CC licensed by Flickr user lanuiop.