Why cooperatives also make diagnosis – Athenaeum

Making a diagnosis is not synonymous with crisis, it is a strategic tool to adapt, improve and consolidate a cooperative project.

In the life cycle of a cooperative there are key moments in which you have to stop, observe, listen and make strategic decisions. Making a diagnosis is not a signal of weakness, but an act of organizational responsibility and maturity. It is a tool that allows us to review where we are, how we work and where we want to go, with data, listening and shared look.

Diagnosis is not a technical or bureaucratic exercise. It is a space to emerge key topics that are often invisible in everyday life: How are we as a team? Do we feel part of the project? What impact are we generating? Are we making decisions democratically and effectively?

Why make a diagnosis?

• To detect internal tensions before they are conflicts. Sometimes there are latent discomforts that can be addressed if safe spaces for dialogue are generated.
• To adapt to internal or external changes. When new people come in, when the context changes, when priorities need to be redefined.
• To improve the internal organization. Review roles, work flows, governance, communication channels, participation.
• To strengthen economic sustainability. Detect strengths and weaknesses of the cooperative business model.

Type of diagnosis that cooperatives can do

1. Strategic Diagnosis

It is used to review the general course of the cooperative. We work on aspects such as vision, goals, social impact, strategic alliances or future growth.

2. Economic diagnosis

It helps to understand how we are financially working, if there are imbalances, if we have investment capacity or if they need adjustments in financial management. It may also include a medium -term price review, costs and sustainability.

3. Care and equipment diagnosis

A diagnosis that focuses on the well -being of the people who are part of the cooperative. How do we take care of rhythm, reconciliation, mental health, recognition, equality, internal communication, etc.

4. Governance and Participation Diagnosis

Review how we make decisions, if everyone feels that they can participate, if governance is efficient and democratic. It may include dynamics of participatory facilitation and evaluation.

When to make a diagnosis?

Although it is often done when difficulties appear, it can also be a powerful tool in times of change, growth or redefinition. Some moments ideal to do it:

• When new people enter the team or a new line of work is incorporated.
• When there have been internal tensions or high rotations.
• When we want to present ourselves to a strategic call or access to the property.
• When we want to do strategic planning.

Diagnosis with accompaniment: an external look can add

From the Ateneu Cooperativa we offer initial diagnostic spaces for cooperatives who want to take this step. Through interviews, participatory workshops and adapted tools, we help to have a clear and shared photo of the situation and to draw possible future scenarios.

It is not a matter of giving recipes, but of opening questions, sorting information and facilitating decision -making. With external accompaniment, the group can better focus on debates and spend time on what is really important.

Do you want to take a leap forward with your cooperative? Ask for an initial diagnosis session with our technical team and gains perspective to act.