I love, love, love Jane Wei-Skillern’s work on network leadership. As a leader-facilitator, consider how you can support your participants, organizations and communities to really focus on a greater mission rather than prioritizing their organization. Sure, everyone says they are mission-focused, but when rubber meets the road, most organizations put themselves or their brand ahead of the mission. Am I wrong?

Or, they view other organizations as competitors. Really—once you start viewing others as competitors, you lose your creative momentum. You are rising above that.

Developing a network with other organizations can be extremely beneficial, from focusing on specific issues and sharing solutions to creating alliances for long-term mutual gain. When a group of organizations are all focused on the same mission, it makes sense to convene as a network. Here are six benefits of connecting with other orgs—even those who seem to be “competitors” in your area.

1. Reduce duplication, increase efficiency and services. Gathering all the organizations involved in a particular issue can result in a more cohesive and comprehensive intervention, while avoiding the duplication of efforts and resources. Responsibilities can be coordinated and shared to allow a greater range of services. It will allow organizations to work smarter, not harder!

2. Increase trust and communication among groups. Bringing together organizations and stakeholders from various sectors of the community can create strategic alliances where there previously was little to none. As organizations work toward their “north star” and create common goals, barriers can be eliminated and trusting relationships can be forged.

3. Build networks and friendships. Strategic partnerships result in benefits beyond the “business at hand”. Staff, volunteers, and community organizations can form networks and social connections through their mutual work and common interests.

4. Energize staff who are burnt out. A strategic partnership can increase efforts around an identified issue. For organizations who have worked in isolation, tapping into new energy and ideas can make tasks more feasible and revitalize staff in the process.

5. Develop and foster political strength within the community. A community that builds together, stays together! Strategic partnerships can amplify the community’s voice and strengthen advocacy efforts from all sectors, while serving as a powerful catalyst for transformation.

6. Create long-term social change. Lasting change takes time, and it takes “a village” to identify root issues within a community and to generate creative solutions by sharing ideas, building trust, and seeking the greater good.

7. Support the humans who are intended to benefit with this work. If you are truly human-centered, your network will seek ways to make it EASIER for young people, families and communities to access your services. Why create multiple systems, forms, steps for participants to get help? Be more client-centered by clearing obstacles that the various bureaucracies of nonprofits and government agencies have developed. Find a way to cut through the red tap so your intended participants can actually participate.

Want to activate your network to actually move toward a common mission? I bet you’re already going in that direction. Schedule a time to talk if you wanna get some insights. You’ve got this. ❤️

7 Reasons to Connect with Other Organizations Who Share Your Mission