Creating lasting solutions to any large-scale social problem typically involves the coordinated efforts of a number of different organisations working together collaboratively around a clearly defined goal. One proven method to build this collaboration is Collective Impact.
Collective impact (CI) can be defined as the commitment of a group of organisations from different sectors to a common agenda for solving a specific problem, using a structured form of collaboration. The concept was first articulated in the 2011 Stanford Social Innovation Review. It is based on organisations forming large-scale cross-sector coalitions to make sustainable progress on important issues.
CI has 5 key elements that help build large scale collaboration:
1. Common understanding between all the parties about the purpose and challenges of the project or programme
2. Measurement of performance using qualitative and quantitative methods
3. Mutually reinforcing actions including workshops and coaching to build and maintain collaboration
4. Consistent communication to ensure all parties are kept informed of the vision, process and progress
5. Coordinated management by a small backbone organisation of collaboration coaches to ensure the programme operates effectively.
The Executive Coaching Centre has recently started to use this approach to help a large group of consulting engineers and planners to collaborate on a major new infrastructure project. For more information contract: Iain McCormick 021 575449 or Helen Burt 021 864 650.
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