Joining forces: unequal alliances
The topic was ‘Where there are big differences between organisations, in size, resources, status, for example, what are the best ways to join forces?’
The first speaker was Cate Newness Smith, CEO of Surrey Youth Focus, who drew on her experience of setting up Time for Kids, an alliance across sectors which aims to make Surrey a better place for children and young people.
The second speaker was Steve Wyler, co-convenor of the Better Way network, who reflected on his experience in the 1990s when running Homeless Network, a coalition of charities tackling rough sleeping in central London. The charities were very unequal in terms of size, profile, and influence, but nevertheless various strategies were used to encourage collaborative working, including for example a requirement that members would share their development plans at an early stage.
Here are some of the key points made by speakers and in discussion:
Unequal alliances should be celebrated – good things can come from bringing large and small, included and excluded, into a common collaborative space. And it helps to be honest about the imbalances, to call them into the room.
Most can be achieved when starting with a blank sheet of paper, rather than addressing the detail of an agenda that has already been set. Therefore, it is important to seek out places where influence is possible, operating outside the formal established structures if necessary, and go where the energy is.
Those who work in small organisations may need to change their mental model, and build confidence in their own voice when engaging with those who have senior roles in large institutions - remembering that small organisations have real strengths, not least that they can be fleet of foot.
There is always a tussle between self-interest and mutual interest. People may be willing to set aside organisational rivalries and jealousies, in favour of pursing a common goal. But pressure and stress can close down creativity and reduce mental capacity to join forces with others. So, this often needs skilful management, and the presence of an independent and trusted convenor can be very helpful.