The Savannah Fruits Company Engagement with Insight Collaborative
Oct 2023 – Dec 2023
As Head of Sustainability at Savannah Fruits Company (SFC), I recognize that a strong, collaborative workplace is fundamental to our overall success, even if the connection to our circular supply chain isn’t immediately obvious. We initiated an engagement with Insight Collaborative in December 2022, starting with 6 in person interviews and a company-wide diagnostic survey about team effectiveness conducted by Elise Willer, a consultant at IC. Following this, we held a 2 hour virtual workshop with our leadership team, focusing on team dynamics, alignment, and practical skill development. The insights gained from this workshop prompted us to develop a more comprehensive plan for improving internal communication. I then took the lead on organizing the logistics of a three-month fellowship program with Insight Collaborative, bringing Genevieve Chiola on board from October to December 2023.
As the lead on organizing the logistics for this initiative, I coordinated a series of workshops and coaching sessions designed to enhance communication skills across our Tamale and Accra offices. This included diagnostic conversations, workshops on difficult conversations and accountability, and individual coaching with Genevieve who’d flown all the way from the East Coast of the US to spend part of her fellowship with us.
The workshops and coaching sessions revealed a clear picture: our team in Tamale is incredibly dedicated, but also extremely busy. Time management and prioritization emerged as key challenges. We noticed that consistent attendance at workshops and coaching sessions was difficult due to competing deadlines. We understand that prioritizing personal development alongside daily tasks can be a balancing act. From a sustainability perspective, ensuring our team is supported with the tools they need to communicate effectively is essential for long-term success. A more unified approach, with clear messaging from leadership emphasizing the importance of these initiatives, would allow us to unlock the full potential of this valuable work. When everyone is engaged, the impact on team dynamics and overall company culture is amplified exponentially.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the potential for further collaboration with Insight Collaborative. We envision continued workshops, expanded team participation, and the development of long-term coaching relationships. Specifically, we’re considering workshops on strategic thinking and decision-making, effective communication, and expanded coaching opportunities, including field coaching and group coaching. We’re also particularly excited about the possibility of tailoring these workshops for our women’s shea co-ops, empowering them with essential communication and decision-making skills. This aligns perfectly with our sustainability goals, ensuring that our positive impact extends throughout our entire network.
Ultimately, shifting company culture towards greater unity requires a collective effort. Visible leadership support and engagement in these initiatives are crucial. We believe that by investing in our team’s communication skills and fostering a culture of open dialogue, we can create a more resilient, collaborative, and ultimately, more sustainable organization. This journey is about building bridges within our team and strengthening our foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future for SFC.
