Our approach

The word Brigata is a Sicilian word for conversation, dialogue, and deliberation. It is the term Boccacio used to describe his band of storytellers in the Decameron. We chose it emphasize what is most fundamental to our approach: in-depth, intentional conversations about the ends of human life and the means to those ends. Looking at data is only a starting point, which can help us understand something about the terrain on which an organization operates, and assist us in framing our questions. But a real understanding of the latent potential of an organization, its comparative advantages and natural constituencies, is always the product on in-depth conversations. And realizing that potential takes place through continuing conversations, which provides the context for identifying issues, deliberating together, and arriving at tentative ways forward.

In general our work with an organization involves the following steps:

• looking at data regarding both the organization and the social context in which it operates

• doing a series of individual relational meetings in order to understand the interests, networks, and capacities of both the members of the organization and its key constituents, and

• situating the resulting information in the context of a broader structural analysis of the institutional context in which the organization is embded.

  This then allows us to guide you in:

• defining a value proposition which positions your organization in relationship to adversaries and competitors, partners and potential partners,

• developing functional plans for organizing the resources you need in order to be effective: people, money, and mana or cultural capital.

  We work primarily with colleges and universities but also have expertise with spiritual and religious organizations, political parties, community organizations, trade unions, arts organizations, and other organizations devoted to the Common Good.