Social Impact Blog

Every knowledge manager knows that collaboration is the ultimate goal of any knowledge management (KM) system. For many agents of social change, collaboration is also a linchpin. Perhaps this is most evident in the practice of collective impact, which by definition is fundamentally about collaboration.

I am inspired by FSG’s tagline, “Discovering better ways to solve social problems.” What I like most about this mantra is its nod to innovation à la discovering. It connotes a focused effort on exposing or focusing on something new. It stresses a commitment to "do more than give", to effect change and have impact that is sustainable, deliberate/targeted, measurable, replicable and adaptable. But, to effect change in that manner, social entrepreneurs need to go beyond discovery, and embrace the principles and practices of innovation as well. Where discovery exposes something new, innovation (by definition) productizes discoveries. Think about this subtle difference for a moment.

The concept of Creating Shared Value has been met with great enthusiasm and support. Witness the success of our Shared Value Summit and converge in the New York Times Business Section just a week ago.

“There’s something happening here, what it is ain’t exactly clear,” - or is it? (For those of you too young to remember these lyrics from a classic rock tune by Buffalo Springfield, click the link and enjoy.)

The lyrics communicate a time of groundswell social change, reminiscent of the ‘60s, but relevant to social impact today as well.  FSG has been purporting new approaches to social impact.  From our thought leadership in Creating Shared Value and Collective Impact, to the case studies in our just published book, aptly titled “Do More Than Give”, there is  change underfoot. There is a new focus on being collaborative, innovative and taking a systems approach to the definition, strategy and delivery of social change.

If you are like me, there is a certain amount of depression that comes after the holiday season - its back to life as usual. What I miss most is the heightened focus on giving to others. This year I am happy to say that was not the case, as this marks my first new year with FSG. At FSG the focus on giving exists 365 days a year, and to my own personal delight in a way that surrounds me in the source of my passion – Knowledge Management. I am not only talking about my role as the Director of Knowledge Management at FSG – but the practice of FSG itself: we wallow in Knowledge Management.