The Corporate Name is “Change Management”

Today at Fonkoze we focused on training the Social Impact Monitors. These 9 gentlemen and 1 gentlewoman traveled from all reaches of Haiti to learn how to use the PPI Software Data Tool. Keep in mind: I’m not talking about an American-style training class where the instructor writes on the board and everyone just nods in half-hearted agreement. Part of training in Haiti involves tangential discussions on the merits of the process, the tool, and broader social concepts. Whereas an unaware outsider might question the efficiency of such tangential conversations, ultimately, these discussions lead to greater buy-in and acceptance of the tool, which will thereby help increase the management of this major change.
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The training PPI Software Data Tool turned into more than just a discussion of “how to” use the technology. There was debate on the most effective process for confirming the survey work of the credit officers between different offices. Another monitor questioned the purpose of the tool, which lead to a great discussion about the mission of Fonkoze to lift women out of poverty. By the end of which, many heads were nodding in the room in the understanding that one needs to measure the effectiveness of the programs. And another questioned whether basing poverty on a US dollar a day truly was representative of “poverty” within Haiti; effectively, turning this training from a tool discussion into an economic forum on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)!

By the end of the day, though we were all exhausted, we also left the rooms with smiles on our faces. There were exchanges of thanks; a jovial debate on which foreign languages were most critical to world travel; and most importantly, the monitors left engaged in creatively thinking about how to make things better and how this tool could be a part of a larger change to improve their effectiveness.

In my day job, there is positive tug of war to the balance efficiency and effectiveness. A couple hours with this group and one could learn a lot about loosening up on short-term efficiencies for the greater good of maximizing long-term effectiveness. I would argue, further, that with increased buy-in from the team the long-term efficiency of the tool would also be improved. Certainly, a good reminder for a place that prides itself on long-term, superior investment results.

Tomorrow’s Docket: travel to the countryside to launch the tool at a branch office.

P.S. When do those Haitian election results get released? ;-)