Jacob has recently been employed at NewSky Services, a not-for-profit provider of disability support services in the
local community. The service is overstretched in terms of funding, staff and resources, and there is a waiting list of
people wanting assistance. Jacob is meeting with Margot, his manager, to discuss a new way to improve the
organisation's performance.
Margot: 'Thanks for meeting me, Jacob'
Margot smiles. They both take out notepads, pens and laptops to take notes.
Jacob: 'No problem. How can I help?'
Margot: 'That's the question. I know you previously worked in a larger organisation and I was hoping to draw on that
experience. I'd like to put you in charge of evaluating our collaborative practices and networks. I'm sure that there are
a lot of opportunities that we're not making the most of in our current practices.
Jacob: 'Great! In my induction package, I noticed that we don't work very closely with other organisations at the
moment. I'm sure that there are a lot of opportunities that we can generate with other services. What focus did you
have in mind?'
Margot: "That's exactly what I've been thinking. I think that we're under-participating in industry networks. There's a
lot to be gained by collaborating with other individuals and groups, both for the organisation as a whole, for us as
workers and for the people that we provide services to. First, I'd like you to evaluate our current collaborations and
networking actions, and put together a report for me. I think we need a clear understanding of where we're at and
what needs to be improved. How does that sound?"