Patroski Lawson, CEO & Founder of KPM Group DCis committed to addressing long-standing inequalities in rare diseases and brain health.
The ability to convene stakeholders to solve business and societal problems is what distinguishes solution-based advocacy from standard advocacy. In the core, solution-based advocacy is only possible with a focus on relationships, the concept that individuals are more likely to say yes to someone they trust and take the time to build relationships.
Convening helps companies make a difference
The Brookings Institution defines: convene as “bringing relevant actors together to act jointly to address common challenges.” When solution-based advocacy creates a seat at the table for all stakeholders, the power to assemble becomes an even more effective tool. This is enhanced by repeatedly bringing the same stakeholders together to advance and develop the discussions that lead to change. When done with a clear purpose and goals, convening becomes a business strategy because individuals feel heard and inspired to identify and accelerate solutions with companies in charge.
The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) of the Clinton Foundation is a powerful example of how conventions can drive change. The CGI develops commitments to action for the world’s biggest problems, such as economic growth, health equity and climate resilience. There is also the World Economic Forum, an organization that focuses on making the world a better place through private and public collaboration. The meetings accelerated the launch and implementation of hundreds of initiatives, such as the Global Coalition for Value in Healthcaredesigned to accelerate the development of global value-based healthcare.
If you want to use your company’s influence to discuss important issues, consider these helpful strategies.
Determine the best layout for your meeting
The convening can take many forms, both virtual and personal. No matter how you bring people together, the goal should be to open the door for deeper and more meaningful conversations that move the needle into solution-based advocacy. Examples of meeting formats are:
• Jeffersonian Salon Dinners: Of a Jeffersonian style dinner, an intimate group of participants – generally no larger than 16 people – gather around a single table and discuss a question posed in advance. The Jeffersonian-style format is a strategic option for deliberately bringing business and policy leaders together to stimulate thought-provoking conversations about what it takes to break down barriers on specific topics and problem areas.
• Add-on events: Add-on events take the form of lunches, dinners or receptions that immediately precede or follow on from already planned business events. The purpose of these smaller events is to build more intimate relationships with specific stakeholder subgroups. This format is ideal for a business or organization involved in a larger event that wants to promote conversations with specific audience members in a more intimate setting.
• Conferences and summits: There are conferences and summits that bring together hundreds of individuals around a shared vision. An example is The Business of Rare Policy Summit, hosted by my company KPM Group DC, which aims to inspire discussions about the challenges and opportunities for policy and innovation in the field of rare diseases. Our ultimate goal is to advance healthcare policy reform to address the unique challenges of developing treatments for these diseases. Other examples include Amazon Web Services’ event series, which brings the cloud computing company together for collaboration, and the American Hospital Association, which hosts an annual Leadership Summit with conversations about the future of healthcare.
Attract the right stakeholders
To truly impact change, it is vital for companies to: find stakeholders who will join the mission. The right selection will guide their leaders on the importance of going beyond the transaction with peers, associates, peers and clients to identify shared visions. They will also help connect ideas and solutions that move the vision forward.
For example, an event to recognize Mental Health Awareness Week could bring together experts in the fields of healthcare, business, nonprofit, policy, behavioral health, and substance use disorders. This cross-section is the perfect combination of people most likely to identify, understand and overcome challenges that limit progress in brain and mental health.
Center empathy and truth in conversations
Successful conversations start from a place of empathy and from there they drive change and truth about underserved communities. We can increase education and awareness of important issues by creating warm, inviting environments that foster productive conversations.
The best meetings should be inclusive and supportive to foster collaborative learning and ideas. To achieve this, it is a powerful strategy to invite stakeholders who are directly affected by the issues discussed to share their experiences. In healthcare agreements, for example, it is extremely important to hear the patient’s perspective. Inviting patients to these meetings allows them to share directly with key stakeholders how the issues have impacted their lives, as well as their families and caregivers. It also ensures that the most affected populations are included in conversations where they can contribute ideas for change.
As a business leader, it is imperative to remember that coming together about a shared purpose is an incredibly powerful business tool. It’s a great way to bring solution-based advocacy to life, and it helps us partner with our country’s underserved communities and achieve more.
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