Working with change
The Communications Manager’s Story
Department for International Development/BOND NGOsWhat she said: “I’m concerned about our organisation’s reputation with stakeholders. Our quarterly meetings don't seem to achieve anything so no one wants to come.”
What we did: The Communications Manager persuaded both sides to change their approach and invest in a facilitator for their next meeting. In the planning stage, Fiona helped people to uncover their assumptions and air their previously unspoken doubts about purpose and value of meeting. Together they worked with sponsors to create questions and topics that both sides would find interesting. The meeting format was changed with an emphasis on conversation and activity, rather than speeches. The venue was changed, away from the Department HQ to signal a new start. Fiona facilitated the meeting.
What happened next: The stakeholders were delighted: “This was the best meeting I have ever had with your organisation”. The meeting paved way for greater information exchange. It gave concrete evidence of how relationships could work better. The Communications Manager gained credibility with her internal colleagues, which helped her win support for changes in the way her function operated.