The MBCI methodology creates the space and the opportunity to get to the grass roots level to hear the stories, the challenges and dreams that are the glue that holds the residents of towns, suburbs and regions together. In our experience it is easier, especially after a disaster for us as external to the public sector, to come in and listen and gather data, without the pressure of making promises and commitments that government representatives are faced with.
After Black Saturday for example, there was so much anger and distress in many Victorian communities, that it was becoming difficult to run public meetings without disruption and aggression. MBCI facilitators were asked to come in to consult with the community, so that plans and budgeting for the future could be put in place.
Using the same process that we use inside a dysfunctional business setting, we were able to listen to the stories, hear the challenges and help communities to articulate their vision for the future.
Within this scenario, our role was to be the conduit between government and the community. We carried out the qualitative and quantitative research, benchmarking with other, similar sized communities and agencies and reported two ways.