By Jo Zaremba In a muddled world of facts and alternative facts, we need a shared search for truth and meaning between publics, companies and governments. Scientists, economists and other professionals are being questioned, along with their evidence based arguments, diverted by the spread of ‘alternative-facts’ [1]. Now, more than ever before, we need to […]
By Rachael Clay “Can you help us develop our strategy for [insert theme here]?” “Sure”, we say, “Is that a piece of paper, or the actual impact you want?” Strategy can be about so many things… securing funds, keeping a board happy, demonstrating team worth. Often, the focus is on getting a strategy signed […]
By Jane Thurlow, Ethicore Associate Talking to a friend with a lifetime’s experience in sales, I was struck by how good sales strategies can be used to inform approaches to successful partnerships. Astute sales people understand the art of collaboration and relationship building more than most and have a battery of tools, which can be […]
By Jane Thurlow, Ethicore Associate We are emotional beings, with studies suggesting that only 10%of our decisions are rational. Understanding influence becomes key to tapping in to the motivations of our target stakeholders and decision makers. Asking someone straight, what drives or influences you, won’t necessarily give you the answer as we find it really […]
By Jane Thurlow All good models for relationships evolve over time. Think 21st century marriages – more flexible, more diverse, more in tune with the needs of both parties. Partnerships are evolving too: to be more strategic, more targeted, more valuable for both partners. The traditional philanthropic model is being replaced by embedded partnerships, focused […]
By Rachael Clay/Jane Thurlow ‘Begin with the end in mind’ is not just a self-help rule*. It’s an effective guide to planning for impact. When we are ‘modelling change’ with an organisation or initiative, we get people to start with the change they want to see. Social and environmental change is complex. It’s changeable. Focusing […]
Genuine insight is based on deep understanding. Understanding your stakeholders, your environment and your future. In Insight for Impact, the fourth in our Design for Impact Series, we consider how to go deeper to access genuine insight, and build a solid platform for sustainable impact.
By Madeline Nightingale, Ethicore Associate As an interested observer, much seems to be asked of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) professionals: uphold the highest possible quality standards; use appropriate and robust methodologies; attribute change excluding any contradictory factors; be cost effective and capture the theory of change. This is tough with unanticipated effects and broader, more […]
By Jane Thurlow, Ethicore Associate Planning for impact builds on our Design for Impact series where we outline 3 steps for good planning: Identify where you are Define where you want to go Design the journey So follow our plan for more influence, and unlock your potential for genuine impact … Jane has over 20 years […]
By Rachael Clay, Director, Ethicore The challenge of sustainable development is beyond you and I, isn’t it? We need to work together in partnerships and multi-stakeholder intiatives (MSIs), but we lead different organisations. So, how do we build these relationships and design for impact with others? Achieving deep and shared understanding, values and partnership takes […]