Refining communications in the field  (2017)

 
 

FIELD OPERATION IMPROVEMENTS

Target: Malian field extension agents and international field management

Challenge: How might we close the feedback loop in field communication to make sure we’re continuously improving? 

Summary: When I arrived as a manager at myAgro, significant resources were being spent to create and distribute weekly communications, sales scripts, and KPI reports. Unfortunately, feedback loops were missing.  We sought to streamline communications in a way that made sense for field and program staff. 

Process:

  • Observation of field activities, focus groups with field staff, interviews with HQ staff

  • Design and test a communication cycle that allowed for evaluation of previous week, execution for following week

  • Iterate the cycle based on participation and feedback 


Program:  We created a clear, weekly communications cycle that allowed for us to improve our messaging and respond to sales and planting KPIs in an effective way. It involved multiple feedback loops that were missing, including direct field feedback and feedback from HQ staff sent to observe.  Together, we were able to make lists, prioritize, and push forward our efforts. 

Results: Due to these efforts, we were able to set a new record – delivering seed and inputs to 20,000 farmers.