Reimagining Business Structures
Taking cues from ecology to cultivate work cultures of cooperative power
Do you know how bees communicate?
Sure, most know that they dance out their news, but that’s just the beginning of what is remarkable. Bees share information through dance, investigation and verification. Then the bees work together to build on each other’s knowledge, building consensus to make strong decisions.
The longer I’ve worked as an apiarist (beekeeper), the more nature has taught me about organizational decision-making.
Throughout my professional career I’ve worked as an Executive Director, Evaluator, Developmental Specialist and Educator. Throughout these roles, I’ve led strategic planning efforts, conducted audits, managed large grants, and crafted innovative programming. I’ve collaborated with community partners using grassroots strategies. In all of these roles, I’ve seen how building strategies for effective cooperation & communication can improve the workplace.
We’re in a state of constant production, preventing us from pausing to reflect. When we fail to stop, we can’t evaluate the impact of our actions. In organizations, that can lead to burn out, ineffective teams, and interpersonal conflict.
Cooperative, equitable working structures
While corporations often need hierarchies and chains of command, these structures aren’t necessary in every context. Moreover, they often deter progress, stifle creativity, and create toxic organization cultures. With a focus on bettering workplace environments through organic modeling, I work with growth-oriented businesses who realize that their success is rested on their team. You work with people, not resources.
Services
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Facilitation of meetings
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Organizational systems and/or process audits
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Collaborative and experiential learning modules
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Project design, implementation & evaluation
Process
Each business is unique and requires different support to thrive. All my work is highly customized, evidence based, and rooted in justice-orientated, nature-based practices that improve workplace culture. While each working roadmap is different, there are some common practices I do with most clients.
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Initial assessment/project debrief
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Conduct internal audit and/or facilitate dialogues
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Design frameworks for change
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Implement frameworks which may include group workshops, training, or facilitation.
Cost
Sliding scale rate from $95-175 per hour.
Not all of us have access to the same privileges. Sliding scale creates equitable access to my services and helps address the systemic oppression of marginalized groups.
Initial consultations and quotes are always free.
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More
Features
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Economic Security Program for Women Makes Impact – Greenfield Recorder -
Sustainability Curriculum Fellowships Awarded to 11 Faculty Members – Press Release Point -
‘Women In Agriculture’ Fall Lecture Series Encourages Lessons Of Awareness And Inspiration – Public Now -
Women Take to the Field of Agriculture at UMass – The Massachusetts Daily Collegian -
Sowing the Seeds of Hope and Success in Holyoke – The Massachusetts Daily Collegian -
Social Justice in Our Food System: It’s Up to Us – CASE News
Collaborators
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John Kent Alexander
John Kent Alexander is an independent facilitator specializing in anti-racist and other social justice-related workshops in Northampton, MA. -
Fertile Ground Schools
“Fertile Ground is a leading farm to school initiative that empowers children, youth and their families to make smart food choices, to work together across race, class and difference, and to become engaged citizens, improving their communities through school gardens, food celebrations, and caring for the land.”
Clients