In my work, I regularly meet with members and staff throughout the Co-op, and I am always encouraged by the honesty, candor, and creativity that comes from these conversations. As I’ve written about before, part of my mission here is to take advantage of the “collective genius” around me to build a stronger co-op. When people are communicating honestly and effectively, I see that collective genius in action.
Our Co-op is composed of nearly 400 employees and more than 20,000 members, all working together to run one business. To run that business, we have to reach out to each other. In our modern world of meetings, memos, newsletters, texts, emails, cell phones, mobile devices, websites, social media channels, and more, we have no shortage of communication tools at our disposal. And yet, for most of us, communication is still a constant challenge. Sometimes the tools are just part of the illusion.
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
—George Bernard Shaw
I think communication is strong at our Co-op. We are a group, thousands strong, united in a commitment to cooperation. That only happens when people communicate with each other. It’s part of our responsibility as stewards of a collectively owned business. As a result, I encourage all of you to keep our communication channels strong and take advantage of all the opportunities here at our Co-op. Read our blog and website, subscribe to our e-news, attend huddles and meetings, talk to your colleagues, follow our social media, and of course, anytime, reach out to me. To be heard, you have to speak up. My door is always open to you.
—Ed Fox
NOURISH. CULTIVATE. COOPERATE.
Ed Fox
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