1. Screen 1 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand techniques for analyzing needs, relationships and knowledge flows between individuals and groups. Understand the techniques for facilitating and improving group work.

2. Screen 2 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work INTRODUCTION This presentation deals with improved collaboration, knowledge sharing and learning. It focuses on tools and techniques which can be used to facilitate improved knowledge and learning in the development and humanitarian sectors.

3. Screen 3 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work Frequently, there is not enough attention paid to facilitating effective collaborative practices and establishing dialogue. When working together with others, the whole of efforts often proves to be less than the sum of the parts. Why? INTRODUCTION

4. Screen 4 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work The tools we are going to present can be used to: INTRODUCTION reflect on the multi- stakeholder nature of food security information systems and programmes help strengthen group work, shared thinking and learning

5. Screen 5 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING What do we mean by Knowledge Management (KM) and Organizational Learning (OL)? KM usually implies managerial and administrative techniques to support the transformation of data into information and knowledge. OL is often taken to mean a cyclical process of self assessment and critical analysis. Activities Learn during Learn after Learn before

6. Screen 6 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING In recent years, the improved application of KM and OL has become a means for improving development and humanitarian work. These two approaches are increasingly being combined by agencies. The adjacent diagram shows an “ideal” picture. DATA INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE Activities Learn during Learn during Learn after Learn after Learn before Learn before external organizations and stakeholders, networks, colleagues, information assets, own knowledge DATA INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE

7. Screen 7 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work The adoption of learning and knowledge-based strategies is becoming increasingly important within food security efforts. Information and KM based initiatives are becoming key in regional interventions for food sustenance and disaster preparedness in southern Africa. EXAMPLES The SADC Regional Early Warning System (REWS) The Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET) KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING

8. Screen 8 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING How can the adoption of learning and knowledge-based strategies help food security information systems? Clear strategies for generating actionable recommendations are developed An enabling environment is developed Collaboration is fostered Knowledge sharing and learning is promoted Knowledge is captured

9. Screen 9 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING COLLABORATIVE WORK The following are tools and techniques to help strengthen help strengthen group work, shared thinking and learning: Stakeholder Analysis Social Network Analysis Group development Communities of practice Action Learning sets Six Thinking Hats Mind Maps Challenge sessions Storytelling Online strategies E-mail guidelines Peer Assists After Action Reviews and Retrospects

10. Screen 10 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work Stakeholder Analysis and Social Network Analysis can be used to assess existing actors, their relevant knowledge and experiences, differing attitudes and existing patterns of interactions and relationships between them. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING COLLABORATIVE WORK

11. Screen 11 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work Group Development, Communities of Practice (CoPs) and Action Learning Sets can be used to develop shared visions, assess and improve ways of working together. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING COLLABORATIVE WORK

12. Screen 12 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work Six Thinking Hats, Mind Maps and Challenge Sessions can be applied to improve group thinking processes including sharing ideas, solving problems, and establishing consensus. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING COLLABORATIVE WORK

13. Screen 13 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work Storytelling, developing good online strategies and using e-mail guidelines can be used to improved the flow of knowledge across different stakeholders. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING COLLABORATIVE WORK

14. Screen 14 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work Group-based learning techniques such as Peer Assists, After Action Reviews and Retrospects can be used before, during and after key activities and events to establish a continuous process of shared learning and a shared commitment to critical self-evaluation. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING COLLABORATIVE WORK

15. Screen 15 of 11 Communication and Advocacy Techniques for improving collaborative work IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE... This presentation is based on the Overseas Development Institute's (ODI) Research and Policy in Development (RAPID) Programme publication entitled “Tools for Knowledge and Learning: A guide for development and humanitarian organisations”, by Ben Ramalingam, July 2006. To access the online version of the publication, as well as other titles in the RAPID Toolkit series visit: www.odi.org.uk/RAPID/Tools/Toolkits Additional Reading