Skills partnerships: the importance of listening

The relationship between the social sector and the corporate world is undeniable and also difficult to define. The article written by Avery Loise Bang, CEO of ‘Bridges to Prosperity’ on the website of the Acumen.org organization, explores how the relationship between both has evolved and how major companies help to include highly qualified workers in other organizations.

The article summarizes some of the interventions made during Acumen’s ‘Beyond Dialogue Workshop’, and deals with some of the different varieties of partnerships. What is undeniable is the importance of taking advantage of the experience and resources of the private sector to act as a catalyst for the social sector, a sector in need of resources but without sufficient access to them.

Thus, for example, Willem Nolens, CEO of Acumen Solar Now, shared how his experience working with EY triggered a review of his company’s values, resulting in new incentive structures and compensation packages. What is important for corporate partners to understand is the commitment required to work with a social enterprise; the need to understand the level of resources available and the weight of each and every one of their actions.

It is also very important to source talent to sustain growth as enterprises expand. This is according to Doug Galen, CEO of RippleWorks. The company in question has enjoyed great success in matching social entrepreneurs with major corporate experts.