The Third Party Effect…

The Third Party Effect: Catalysing Change in the Cultural Landscape

We all face moments where we feel stuck. Whether it's a career plateau, a struggling project, or a community that is fracturing, sometimes we need an outside perspective to help us move forward. I've experienced this firsthand, and it's what I call the 'Third Party Effect' – the transformative power of external input to catalyse change and unlock potential.

Over the past two years, I've seen this effect in three key areas of my work. Personally, I've benefited immensely from working with a career coach. Their objective perspective and expertise have been invaluable in navigating my own professional development, helping me see opportunities I hadn't considered and giving me the confidence to take strategic risks. This experience solidified my belief in the power of independent support.

Concurrently, I've been deeply involved with Creative Tunbridge Wells (CTW). As a strategic partnership organisation, we act as a catalyst for the creative community. We bring together diverse stakeholders, facilitate crucial conversations, and help shape a shared vision for the town's cultural future. We are the neutral ground, the bridge between different groups, and a driving force for further collaboration and change. I have worked hard to assert CTW’s independence from local & regional government and any of the major cultural stakeholders. The unique position we have created allows us to work openly with all parties, and demonstrates the Third Party Effect on a larger scale, shaping the cultural landscape in real time.

As a consultant, I see this effect play out regularly with my clients. Organisations being slowed down or projects stalled by internal dynamics can bring me in to provide that crucial external perspective. I help them identify their challenges, develop strategic solutions, and ultimately achieve their goals. I've seen firsthand how an outside perspective, combined with specialised knowledge, can make all the difference.

In this blog, I'll explore the 'Third Party Effect' in more detail, examining why I believe these external perspectives are so valuable, and how organisations, especially in the cultural sector, can leverage them to drive meaningful change.

The Power of Third-Party Perspectives:

So, what is it about the 'Third Party Effect' that makes it so potent? Several key factors contribute to the transformative power of external involvement:

Unveiling and Aligning Agendas: Every stakeholder, whether they admit it or not, brings their own set of agendas to the table. These agendas are often valid and important, but sometimes they can hinder collaboration if they remain unspoken or misaligned. As a third party, I can create an open forum to acknowledge and articulate these individual agendas. By openly discussing what each party hopes to gain (or fears to lose), we can separate personal needs from the project's core goals. This transparency fosters trust and allows us to find common ground where individual ambitions and collective objectives can intersect. It allows us to move forward with a shared understanding of the 'why' behind everyone's involvement and the challenges they or their organisations are facing.

The Freedom of Outsider Status: Third parties aren't bound by the same internal cultures, entrenched groupthink, or hierarchical structures that often stifle creativity within organisations. This outsider status grants a unique freedom to challenge assumptions, ask difficult questions, and explore unconventional solutions. We can see the project with fresh eyes, unencumbered by internal politics or historical baggage. This allows for more creative, project-focused solutions that might be overlooked by those too close to the situation.

Purposeful Objectivity: While passion can be a powerful motivator, sometimes it can cloud judgment. I believe in the power of purpose – a clear, well-defined objective – over the often-blinding force of passion. Third parties can bring a dispassionate, yet purposeful, perspective. We can see the bigger picture, analyse the situation objectively, and advocate for the project's best interests without ego or personal bias getting in the way. This objectivity, combined with a clear focus on achieving defined goals, makes third parties incredibly valuable advocates for positive change. The very lack of my ‘skin in the game’ allows me to be objective in my advice, rather than tailoring it to my own agenda - this is also why I prefer to work with clients for a pre-defined, output orientated, and project based term.

Facilitating Collaboration and Building Common Ground: Often, the biggest hurdle to progress is a lack of effective communication and collaboration between different stakeholders. Third parties can act as emissaries, bridging gaps between different groups and inching each party closer to a shared vision. We can facilitate crucial conversations, mediate disagreements, and help build consensus around key objectives. By fostering open communication and creating a collaborative environment, we can unlock the collective intelligence of all involved and drive meaningful progress. We can then act as accountability partners - reminding stakeholders of what they have committed to and encouraging them to follow through. 

Creative Tunbridge Wells: A Prime Example:

Cultural Compacts, like Creative Tunbridge Wells (CTW), exemplify the 'Third Party Effect' in action. They demonstrate how an external organization can catalyse change and drive strategic development within a community. CTW's success stems from several key approaches:

Creating the Space for Collaboration: CTW doesn't do the collaborating; rather, we create the space and platform for collaboration to occur organically between key players. We act as a neutral convener, bringing together diverse stakeholders—artists, businesses, community groups, local government—who might not otherwise interact. By providing a structured environment for dialogue and shared vision, we empower these groups to connect, exchange ideas, and build partnerships that strengthen the entire cultural ecosystem. We facilitate the process, enabling the magic of collaboration to happen.

Acknowledging and Integrating Diverse Agendas: We recognize that each stakeholder comes to the table with their own set of priorities and agendas. Rather than trying to suppress these individual goals, we encourage open acknowledgment of them. We make it clear that it's possible to maintain independent agendas while still working towards a broader, shared vision. We also acknowledge that sometimes, alignment won't be possible, and that's okay. This transparency builds trust and allows for a more authentic and productive collaborative process. It also allows for projects to be developed that are mutually beneficial, even if they don’t meet 100% of everyone’s needs.

Providing Critical Friendship: CTW acts as a 'critical friend' to the cultural community. We offer constructive feedback, challenge assumptions, and ask the difficult questions that internal stakeholders might be hesitant to raise. We celebrate successes, but we also identify areas for improvement. This honest and supportive approach fosters growth, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence. It is a core part of the value we bring. We are not afraid to give honest feedback, but do so from a place of support and wanting the best for the Tunbridge Wells cultural scene.

CTW’s approach demonstrates the power of the Third Party Effect to foster collaboration, align diverse agendas, and provide critical support for the cultural sector. It’s a model that other communities can learn from and adapt to their own unique contexts.

The Role of Bespoke Consultancy:

The 'Third Party Effect' isn't limited to sector wide initiatives like Cultural Compacts. It's equally valuable at an organisational level, where bespoke consultancy can play a crucial role in driving strategic change. I've seen this firsthand in my work with a variety of clients. Here's why:

Creating a Safe Space for Honest Feedback: Employees often feel more comfortable sharing sensitive issues or concerns with an external consultant than with their internal leadership. There's a sense of anonymity and objectivity that fosters open and honest communication. I provide that safe space, allowing employees to voice their perspectives without fear of reprisal or judgment. This unfiltered feedback is invaluable for understanding the true challenges and opportunities facing an organization.

Platforming Views Through a Neutral Lens: Once I've gathered these diverse perspectives, I can platform them through a neutral lens, contextualizing them within the broader goals of the project. I can weave the often disparate viewpoints into a coherent narrative, highlighting common themes and identifying potential solutions. This process helps leadership understand the ground-level realities of their organisation and make informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the situation. It also helps to depersonalise feedback, making it easier for it to be received and acted upon.

Challenging Groupthink with Outsider Insights: Just as Cultural Compacts benefit from outsider status, so do consultants. We're not embedded in the same organisational culture, so we can more easily identify and gently point out where groupthink has developed. We can challenge ingrained assumptions, offer fresh perspectives, and encourage exploration of alternative approaches. This ability to see beyond the internal echo chamber is essential for fostering innovation and driving strategic change.

Horizon Scanning: As a consultant, I am not weighed down with the urgent and can focus on the important. I often bring sector developments to the attention of my clients - be that in policy, practise or technology. Keeping an eye on the wider industry, political climate or latest technological advancements can be difficult when you have an event to open or an attraction to run. By keeping abreast of these developments I can distil and contextualise them for my clients.

Ready to experience the 'Third Party Effect' for yourself?

Consultancy is a word I took a long time to embrace for my work - but I do now. Short term, project based consultancy is a powerful tool and something that creative sector businesses should embrace more of. 

For Organisations: Are you facing challenges with strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, or implementing new initiatives? Contact me for a free consultation to discuss your specific needs and how my bespoke consultancy services can help you unlock your organisation's full potential. Let's explore how we can work together to develop tailored solutions that drive meaningful results.

For Communities: Are you interested in fostering a more collaborative environment? I'm happy to share my experience with Creative Tunbridge Wells and provide guidance on how to establish a similar initiative in your area. Let's connect and explore how we can empower your community's cultural future together.