Making Good Things Happen
A blog that informs our clients about real world topics related to what we do as Scale Strategic Solutions!
A New Beginning as Scale Strategic Solutions
Published 8/12/19
When reflecting on what we have done and where we are going, 2019 was a time of change for C H Smith & Associates. We were ready to climb new heights and take new measures. It was time to Scale.
Our firm was ready for a new identity that was a greater reflection of who we are and what we do. In one of our client surveys, this comment emerged, “I feel that C H Smith & Associates built capacity within me and my team to continue and scale the work…” This comment embodied what our brand is all about.
Through our strategic
planning we help our clients find solutions
that will help them to scale
their work and execute their visions. Wanting to capture this mission we chose the name Scale Strategic Solutions.
Doing business as Scale Strategic Solutions, we will continue to:
- Conduct program evaluations, using various scales to measure and communicate progress and opportunity.
- Gather insights and process information and ideas to offer strategic solutions.
- Provide project management and take ideas to scale.
- Facilitate strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.
- Organize collaborative efforts to execute the work.
- Scale skills within teams to maximize performance through training or organizational development.
Scale Strategic Solutions is a name that speaks to all the facets of our work. In tandem with this change, we have moved our office suite to Kemper Pond Office Park in Springdale, Ohio. Reach out to us if you would like to learn more about the new Scale Strategic Solutions.
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Organizations working in education, health, and social services often face complex challenges. No single group can solve these issues alone. Public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropy must work together to create lasting impact. Strong collaboration depends on trust. Trust is not automatic. It must be built with intention over time. At Scale Strategic Solutions, we have supported partnerships across sectors. These experiences show that trust is the foundation of effective collaboration. To support this work, we use a simple framework. DECIPHER Your Relationships and Communication This framework helps partners build and maintain trust. D – Dialogue-driven Trust starts with conversation. Partners need open and ongoing communication. Everyone should have a chance to share ideas and concerns. Regular dialogue helps partners stay aligned. E – Equitable Each partner should benefit from the collaboration. Organizations bring different strengths and resources. Fair exchange matters. Respect each partner’s role, capacity, and perspective. C – Clear Clarity prevents confusion. Define roles, responsibilities, and expectations early. Make sure commitments are easy to understand and act on. Clear agreements reduce conflict. I – Iterative Trust builds over time. Start small and follow through. Use feedback to improve the partnership. Learn together and adjust as needed. P – Purpose-aligned Partners need a shared mission. Clear goals keep everyone focused. When challenges arise, shared purpose helps guide decisions. Alignment around outcomes keeps the work moving forward. H – Honest Collaborators must be transparent and truthful with each other. Address challenges early. Set clear boundaries when needed. Honest communication builds respect. E – Engaged Partners must stay actively involved. Engagement means more than attending meetings. It shows commitment to the work and the relationship. The collaboration has to be beyond transactional. R – Reliable All partners need to own and follow through on commitments. Consistency builds confidence. Accountability strengthens the partnership over time. When commitments do not come to fruition, the responsible party assumes ownership and takes corrective action. Partners also balance shared accountability with shared grace. From Principles to Practice Trust building is a practical skill. We must approach it intentionally and consistently. Communication routines, project management practices, and relationship-building opportunities help hone those skills that reinforce the trust. Trust does not happen by chance. It requires effort and consistency. Use the DECIPHER framework to guide your partnerships. Build trust. Strengthen relationships. Create lasting impact.
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The end of the year invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the tools, resources, and rituals that help us do impactful work. At Scale Strategic Solutions, we spend our days turning information into action, supporting businesses as they clarify their vision, understand their impact, and strengthen their systems.
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