How Conversations Can Create Social Change
If you're seeking a great example of such a conversation then I highly recommend you watch or listen to the latest edition of Reboundog Sofa Meet-up: How to Help Shelters Embrace New Tools
Summary
In this insightful conversation, host Spencer Hodgetts invited two prominent guests, Mindy Dutka and Caroline Johnson, who share their experiences and perspectives on innovation in animal shelters. Caroline, previously the CEO of a rescue charity and now the Vice-Chair of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) in the UK, discusses the importance of involving shelters early in the development of new products and technologies. Mindy, the founder of Dogs I Meet in the US, emphasizes the need for collaboration between entrepreneurs and shelters to ensure that innovations genuinely serve the needs of animal welfare organizations.
The conversation revolves around the barriers that prevent effective partnership, including the tendency of innovators to present fully formed products without consulting the shelters, which may hinder utilization. Both guests point out that shelters often lack the resources and time to adopt new technologies quickly, which impedes innovation. They advocate for a more collaborative and communicative approach, where both sides work together in the early stages of product development.
Furthermore, insights are shared regarding the differences between the UK and US shelter systems, emphasizing the need for effective communication channels and networking to support innovation. The discussion concludes with a call for both parties to embrace change, maintain open dialogues, and establish clear expectations to better address the challenges that animal shelters face.
Highlights
- 🐶 Caroline Johnson emphasizes involving shelters early in product development to ensure needs are met.
- 📸 Mindy Dutka’s mission-driven dog photography aims to raise awareness for shelters and promote animal welfare.
- 🚫 Shelters often reject fully formed ideas that don’t consider practical implementation challenges and unique operational realities.
- 💬 Both guests stress the need for clear communication and understanding of expectations between entrepreneurs and shelters.
- 🤝 They highlight the importance of informal networks and word-of-mouth recommendations among shelters for effective collaboration.
- 🐾 Acknowledgment of the divide in approaches to innovation between the UK and US animal rescue systems.
- 🌟 The discussion highlights that embracing change and maintaining an open mindset can lead to more successful partnerships.
Key Insights
- 🕵️♀️ Early Engagement is Crucial: Involving shelters from the initial stages of product development helps ensure that entrepreneurs create solutions that fit the specific needs of rescue organizations. This collaborative approach mitigates the risk of creating products that are irrelevant or unimplementable in practical scenarios.
- 📉 Resource Constraints Limit Adoption: Many shelters operate under tight financial and time constraints, making them hesitant to adopt new technologies or solutions. Solutions must therefore be quick to implement, easy to understand, and compatible with the existing systems; otherwise, they risk being delayed or abandoned.
- 🤝 Two-Way Street of Innovation: The dialogue between innovators and the rescue community must flow both ways. Entrepreneurs should not impose their solutions but also open discussions to hear about shelters’ pain points. Acknowledging the realities of shelter work can help tailor solutions that genuinely assist these organizations.
- 💼 The Role of Research Networks: Creation of research networks and conferences that allow for sharing information between shelters and entrepreneurs can significantly bridge the gap. For example, in the UK, ADCH fosters collaboration, which could serve as a model for similar initiatives in the US.
- ✔️ Written Agreements Are Essential: Establishing clear, documented agreements regarding expectations, roles, and responsibilities can prevent miscommunication. This helps ensure that both sides honor the commitments made and aids in the successful implementation of new initiatives.
- 💡 Adaptability is Key: Both innovators and shelters must embrace change. Shelters should be open to learning and adapting to new methodologies and technologies that enhance operational efficiency, while innovators should remain flexible in their approaches based on feedback from rescue organizations.
- 📊 Evidence-Based Practices: The shelter sector is increasingly adopting evidence-based practices rooted in research and scientific understanding of animal behavior. Innovations that align with these best practices can find more acceptance and success within shelters.
This discussion not only illuminates the challenges faced by animal shelters but also highlights golden opportunities for collaboration between the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, ensuring that innovations truly meet the needs of the animal welfare community.
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Are you struggling to have Conversations that Create Social Change?
Do one or more of these Top Ten real life concerns about conversations resonate with you?
- Getting the message across that I want the audience to hear.
- My primary concern is ensuring accurate and helpful communication while respecting privacy and maintaining a positive interaction.
- Being able to convey my message competently and also being able to meet people at their level and agree to disagree if necessary.
- That what I share in a conversation has clarity.
- People not being open to other perspectives.
- Difficult conversations between individuals with conflicting goals.
- My main concern with conversations is the lack of genuine listening and understanding. In our busy world it's easy for people to be distracted or not fully engage, leading to misunderstandings and poor communication.
- Concern that my words might be misinterpreted or that I won't full understand the other person's perspective.
- How to start or build rapport.
- Getting to the point.
Then I can help you with my Reboundog Coaching powered by Tricres Constructive Conversations Workshop
Our next events:
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This Thursday 27th March Online
Imagine the Possibilities: Networking for Good & Growth.
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Bonus to be announced for attendees only
Reboundog Sofa Meet-up
Conversations on the Reboundog Sofa Creating Social change
Thursday April 10th
Full details & registration link to be published soon.
Join Us for Our First In Person Sofa Meet-up
NB: Note date change from last newsletter.
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Last month I was due to write a one off special newsletter, which has been postponed due to an imminent house move. I look forward to writing this one in more relaxed surroundings.
Now due for publication on 2nd April, a special day for me.
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