2. CHANGING THE WAY THE WORLD TACKLES POVERTY
THE RADICAL IDEA OF CREATING HOPE
IN A CYNICAL WORLD
LEADERSHIP THAT DOES WHAT IS RIGHT,
NOT WHAT IS EASY
THE HUMILITY TO SEE THE WORLD AS IT IS,
THE AUDACITY TO IMAGINE A WORLD
AS IT COULD BE.
SO…
15. OUR VISION FOR 2015
+ expand to 15 countries
+ grow our portfolio to $150M and impact
150M+ lives
+ at least 10 of our 80+ companies are truly
transformative
+ 400+ Global and Regional Fellow Program
Alumni across the globe
43. We want to accelerate our new teammate’s
understanding of our organization.
44. Those small details that oen get overlooked…
Ÿ organizational structure
Ÿ systems & processes
Ÿ teams & dynamics
Ÿ individual & regional roles
…are actually pretty crucial in jumping right into work.
45. But it helps us, too!
Hearing new perspectives is great feedback for
us to learn where we have room to improve.
47. As a truly global team,
it can be hard to know “who’s who
in our awesome zoo.”
Especially for new teammates,
initiating relationships can sometimes be
overwhelming.
48. The “Buddy System”
forges connections instantly.
promotes understanding of our organizational culture.
builds shared perspective.
deepens cohesion across teams and offices.
60. The Hiring Manager and
Head of Talent Development
put their heads together and determine
2 Buddies
for the lucky New Teammate
61. The Guidelines
Each New Teammate gets 2 Buddies
1. One Buddy will be from the same function, in a
different office
2. Another Buddy will be from a different function,
from the same or different office
3. Ideally, Buddies will have been with Acumen for
one year or longer
62. And don’t worry,
we won’t ask someone to be a Buddy for more
than 2 New Teammates
in any given year.
(unless you really it)love
66. If one of the buddies is, for whatever reason,
overwhelmed with
“world-changing poverty-solving work”
and cannot fulfill the Buddy Responsibilities,
they talk to the Hiring Manager to recommend a
replacement buddy in their place.
68. You are probably wondering
what they are.
Pretty simple, actually.
69. 1. Make the first move
2. Establish a level of communication
3. Be thoughtful
70. 1. Make the first move
Email your New Buddy first!
None of this,
“I’ll wait to hear from them”
business.
You’re welcoming them, remember?!
71. Jump on that first email to set up a call within their first week.
Video chat is a REALLY good way to establish
a much stronger connection right off the bat.
Remember, this person wants to trust you,
so give them every reason to
by showing them your beaming face.
72. 2. Establish a level of communication
For the first two months,
we’d love you to be checking in
with your New Teammate every 2 weeks.
Aer that, we know you can figure it out
organically.
73. 3. Be Thoughtful
The calls are a
forum for your New Teammate
to pick your brain and
get answers to questions they may have.
74. What are some of the questions you
found yourself asking when you first
joined?
+ Where can I find information on things like
investment memos, +Acumen, branding, etc?
+ How do I use the Wiki? What’s the M drive?
75. But can you dig even deeper…
What are some of the big questions you
still ask yourself? About our work, or how
our organization works?
Hint: we’ve shared +Acumen leadership materials
with our New Teammates
Eg. “The Aid Debate” and “How to Do Good”
76. Be open to reflection
for both your Buddy’s, and your, sake.
We think this could be surprisingly powerful.
77. So, you may ask,
(in typical Acumen fashion),
how do we measure our success?
78. At the end of their first month,
we’ll check in with the New Teammate to
ensure the Buddy System is working as
intended; tweaking where required.
79. At the end of their third month,
we’ll have them fill in a super brief feedback
form to comment on the value of the process
to their overall integration.
80. For Buddies,
we’ll also plan periodic
both as we launch and
once the program is underway
to ensure it’s feeling
valuable and enriching for you too.
feedback loops
81. And of course,
one of the best indicators of success
will be the successful integration
and impact of our new teammate,
thanks to your support.
82. Oh, and one more thing…
We’re not completely sold on “The Buddy System”
name.
84. So, we are officially accepting
submissions to name this new initiative!
85. Click here to submit your ideas
for our new “Buddy System”!
In exchange for your participation,
we are providing really awesome prizes
(including non-monetary rewards
such as infinite respect and multiple hugs.)
