a guide for navigators 1national disability institute

A Guide for Navigators

1National Disability Institute

ObjectivesUnderstand the distinction among networks,

collaboration and partnering Understand the importance of being

strategicUnderstand how to create and sustain

strategic networks and strategic partnerships

Understand results accountability and the connection to partnerships


21st Century OrganizationsStrategic

Understand the operating environmentMission/Vision DrivenEstablished organizational goals/objective/strategies

CompetentCapacity and competencies to reach objectives

CollaborativeOrganizational culture emphasizes collaboration

AccountableResults oriented in all activities


What % of your time is spentIn meetings with external organizationsIn networking events


Critical QuestionDoes this time result in in measurable

results?


Relationship HierarchyNetworking: exchange information

Coordinating: exchange information and link existing activities for mutual benefit

Cooperation: share resources for mutual benefit and to create something new

Collaboration: work jointly to accomplish shared vision and mission using joint resources

Partnerships: Collaboration where decision making is shared and all partners are accountable for outcomes.

Source: National Association of County and City Health Officials


What is Strategic Connecting networking, collaborating and

partnering activities to the goals of your organization

Setting goals for these activitiesDeveloping plans around these activitiesEvaluating the effectiveness of these

activities


Why StrategicYour time is limited and valuableOthers’ time is limited and valuableNo organization can be all things to all

peopleResources are limited and trending

downward Now more than ever, the environment is

conducive to partnershipsNetworks and Partnerships must advance

your organization’s strategic objectives8National Disability Institute

Benefits of Strategic Networks and PartnershipsAbility to leverage your organization’s

resourcesOpportunity to improve your organization’s

performanceBuild your customer poolReduce your customer poolGreater community visibility for your

organizationGreater opportunities for expanded partnerships


Strategic NetworkingNetworking to accomplish the strategic

objectives of your organization byPromoting your servicesDeveloping trust relationships Expanding the collaboration/partnership

potential


Networking ObjectivesHave purpose for each networking

opportunityIdentify employersIdentify needed resourcesIdentify potential partners for collaboration

Set objectives for each networking opportunity


Networking OpportunitiesWhen you meet people, use the time to

gather information from them: • Primary concerns about their business• Unmet needs.• Overlap of solutions you provide overlap with their needsOverlap of solutions others provide that

overlap with your organization’s needTheir contact information


Networking Competencies

Ability of identify productive marketing opportunities

Knowledge of the mission, strategic objectives, capacities and needs of your organization

Ability to communicateAbility to market and sellAbility to communicate who you are and who

you represent quickly and succinctly (elevator pitch)


Elevator Pitch Short-30 -60 SecondsConciseTells a storyHas a hook

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2007/08/how-to-craft-killer-elevator-pitch-that.html


EXAMPLEI am the director of a program that provides

training and consultation to state agencies and private nonprofits whose mission is to find employment for people with disabilities. We work primarily in the southeast, but are a part of a national network of similar programs.

National Disability Institute 15

Your Ideal NetworkA group of individuals or organizations that :

Know what you do (what your mission is)Can meet your organizational needsYou can meet their organizational needs Can expand your network


How to sustain your networkKeep in touch

Frequency of contact should be proportional to the value of the network member

Acknowledge the value of each network member

Acknowledge contributions of your network members


PartnershipA relationship characterized by collaboration

and responsibility for the achievement of a specified goal


Partners Have shared:

VisionObjectivesResourcesDecision making Accountability for results


Characteristics of Effective PartnershipsShared visionTrustClear CommunicationClear and quick decision making process Ability to anticipate and manage change


Partnership ValueAssessing value

What does each partner stand to gain?

Leveraging ValueHow will the partnership create additional

value


Benefits of Partnership Leverage strengthsShare responsibilityGain competenciesIncrease potential for innovationEnhance competency sets Increase organizational visibility


Competencies needed to Establish Effective PartnershipsAbility to analyze needs of consumersKnowledge of potential partnersAbility to negotiateAbility to develop performance measuresAbility to share decision makingAbility to communicate


BarriersDiffering levels of interestDiffering levels of resource commitmentLack of role clarityDiffering levels of community visibilityDiffering levels of power


BarriersLack of time and interestLack of compelling reasons to partnerLack of incentives to partnerLack of clear and fair rules of the gameInterpersonal issuesHistoryLack of shared values


Ready To PartnerDefine current and future needs of your

customers and your organizationDetermine what resources your organization can

commitConsider time Consider cost

Determine how the partnership will effect your organizationIncrease effectivenessYour organization’s visibility in the communityIncrease or decrease in customers


Formalizing PartnershipsStructure the decision making processAssess resources available Determine roles and responsibilitiesDevelop strategic plan-(goals, objectives,

actions)Determine outcome measuresDetermine evaluation process


Evaluation of Partnership EffectivenessDevelop clear measures of effectivenessMutually agree on evaluation strategyDiscuss results


Key Steps in Growing Partnerships

MonitorMeasureLearnCommunicateInnovate


Sustaining A PartnershipCommunicateRecognizeRewardPublicize


Importance of CommunicationSpeeds decision makingLessens the silo effectSpeed resolution of issuesFosters mutual understanding and trust


Population AccountabilityQuality of life we want in our community

What would these conditions look like?How can we measure these conditions?Who are the partners that have a role to play?How can we do better (innovation)?What will we do?How will we know how well we are doing and

communicate this? Source: Mark Friedman


Results AccountabilityHow much did we do

Number of customers servedActivities

How well did we do itPercentage of Consumers EmployedPercentage of Consumers with increased self-

sufficiencyCustomer satisfaction


Benefits of Results AccountabilityFacilitates Goal SettingDefines SuccessFacilitates improvement and growthEncourages innovationTangible proof of value to the communityCan be marketed


Contact:[email protected]


a guide for navigators 1national disability institute

Documents

national association

valuableothers time

collaboration set objectives

new collaboration

expanded partnerships

link existing activities

organizations performancebuild

customer poolreduce