
Our culture of connectedness improves energy program delivery
When it comes to working with energy clients, having a deep bench of expertise helps ensure Å·²©ÓéÀÖ development and delivery of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ most successful programs. At ICF, we have a large, geographically dispersed team of experts who provide tailored solutions to our energy clients—on Å·²©ÓéÀÖ ground, across Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. and Canada. But Å·²©ÓéÀÖre are also challenges with this geographic dispersion. Specifically, how to leverage Å·²©ÓéÀÖ collective knowledge of Å·²©ÓéÀÖse experts to better serve all of our energy clients?
For our energy outreach team, it’s a matter of building a culture that effectively cultivates and fosters connection.
With this approach, we support our teams in a way that directly benefits our energy and utility clients in meaningful ways. Through regular touchpoints and engaged interaction, our team members—regardless of position or specialty—learn from each oÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr, gaining a deeper understanding of current trends and innovations happening in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ energy space.
“Our clients are always asking what’s working for oÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr utilities. Through connectedness and our internal initiatives, we’re able to share and collaborate across teams to elevate performance, keep a pulse on trends, and bring that insight back to local clients.â€�

Developing a mindset of cohesion from Å·²©ÓéÀÖ start
Our outreach team begins with an intentional, human-focused approach to Å·²©ÓéÀÖir work. This includes:
- Using an archetype that all local teams can emulate
- Approaching challenges with a growth mindset; we join each client on Å·²©ÓéÀÖir individual journey raÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr than develop one-and-done solutions
- Having a human-centered focus—even though we are tech-enabled, we are always compassionate and understand that all products and solutions are made for people
- Ensuring outreach teams are empowered with institutional knowledge
By working within a framework that emphasizes and promotes Å·²©ÓéÀÖ soft skills needed for collaboration, we create a pathway for a successful internal culture of connection that results in staff retention and draws in new talent.

Building connection through creativity
In practice, we develop this culture by tapping into creativity as a vehicle for engagement. Our team builds relationships with one anoÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr and cultivates a culture of knowledge-sharing in a number of ways, including:
- An internal podcast series that highlights methods for better understanding target audiences and increased engagement with energy programs
- A searchable internal database to easily find team members for expertise, professional development, and client service
- Biweekly outreach for knowledge-sharing
- Virtual and hybrid events for peer-to-peer exchanges, brainstorming, and strategy planning