Yesterday, the Great Bay Foundation hosted a Roundtable Discussion in Braintree, Massachusetts.  The day began with a luncheon in which the participants—all members of the Great Bay Network—discussed how we can turn negative aspects of conflict into a creative dynamic for positive change.  The discussion topic was inspired by an NPR review of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book, “Team of Rivals,” which describes how President Lincoln deliberately selected powerful, outspoken adversaries to generate conflict from which he developed some of his most brilliant strategies.  We asked participants whether they could share stories of conflict they have had with boards, team leaders, staff, volunteers, etc.  We wondered whether they had been able to turn situations fraught with conflict into positive moves for their organizations?  Unsurprisingly, the discussion was enlightening on many levels.  Participants discussed intense customer negotiations, and seemingly irreparable disagreements among staff and board members.  The group agreed that, in their experiences, conflict is almost always instructive.  Through contentious situations, leaders and organizations can become stronger.  We’d love to hear how you have resolved a fractious situation.

After lunch, the group visited Employ+Ability Inc., a social enterprise in Braintree that hires adults with developmental disabilities and that has adopted the slogan “Work is Good,” to reflect its philosophy that work plays a positive role in all our lives and especially those with disabilities.  The business, led by President and social entrepreneur Jim Middleton, assembles quality hot and cold therapeutic products for medical, sports, first-aid, and safety markets.  In addition, the business packages women’s health tests for private labels, and assembles first-aid and diagnostic test kits for companies such as Inverness Medical, U.S. Surgical, and Johnson & Johnson.  Employ+Ability puts together 10 million hot and cold packs annually.  Its cold pack was recently named the “Official Ice Pack of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution.”

Jim, along with some of his senior staff, gave us a tour of his operations.  We met many of the Employ+Ability staff, hard at work in their various positions.  Despite the tremendous obstacles that these workers face, it was obvious that they are doing a remarkable job and thrive on the responsibility.  The long-term employment provides these men and women with a competitive wage with benefits, which allows them to live independently and support family members.