Collaboration at the UK’s Largest Foodsharing Charity
Background
In the wake of the pandemic, the UK’s largest foodsharing charity faced an unprecedented surge in demand. As more people sought assistance, the organization grappled with the challenge of maintaining efficient operations while ensuring that no one went hungry. However, within the organization, communication barriers had emerged. Silos formed, hindering collaboration and stifling innovation.
Solutions
Workshop Series: Cultivating Psychological Safety
Recognizing the critical role of communication, we designed a series of workshops for every department. Inspired by Google’s Project Aristotle research, our central theme was psychological safety. We aimed to create an environment where team members felt comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and challenging assumptions.
Workshop Objectives
- Understanding Psychological Safety: Participants delved into the concept of psychological safety - how it enables open dialogue, risk-taking, and innovation. We emphasised that feeling safe to express opinions was essential for effective teamwork.
- Breaking Down Barriers: Teams engaged in candid discussions about existing communication obstacles. Fear of judgment, lack of trust, and rigid hierarchies were identified as common roadblocks.
- Empowering Self-Sufficiency: Rather than prescribing solutions, we encouraged teams to find answers themselves. By empowering them to take ownership, we aimed to foster a culture of proactive problem-solving.
Results
Bridging the Gap: Introducing New Management Meetings
The workshops ignited a transformation. Teams began sharing insights, collaborating across departments, and proposing innovative solutions. But we didn’t stop there. Our recommendations to senior leaders included the creation of a new tier of management meetings:
- Interdepartmental Forums: Regular forums brought together leaders from different departments. They discussed shared challenges, aligned strategies, and ensured everyone was on the same page.
- Cross-Pollination of Ideas: By bridging the gap between departments, the charity unlocked synergies. Marketing learned from Operations, and Finance collaborated with Fundraising. The result? A more agile, cohesive organization ready to tackle the challenges of a post-pandemic world.
- Sustained Growth: With improved communication, the charity not only weathered the storm of increased demand but also thrived. Donations surged, volunteer engagement soared, and the impact on food insecurity reached new heights.