networks

On Networks... read more »

• Networks accumulate power based on their breadth of reach in every direction, inciting complexity and fluidity.  It is difficult, sometimes, to look at a network and wonder if it is not a “random field of chaos,” but while networks do not play by the rules (they can’t because they are cumulative and self-organizing) there are laws that networks abide by.  Networkweaving blog looks at the four key components of networks and devises formulas for how to achieve each of these.  The four components are: luck, innovation, influence and network growth.

Over the years we have talked a lot about leadership program networks. In leadership program evaluations we often hear from program participants that relationships formed with others in the program are one of the most valuable and enduring parts of their experience. We have heard stories about these relationships fostering collaborations, providing an ongoing source of consultation and advice and as an information resource exchange network. It’s no wonder that leadership programs are eager to leverage the impact of these relationships by building sustainable networks of program graduates.

The network buzz over the last several years has inspired leadership programs to imagine new possibilities for vibrant networks of their program graduates. The good news is that we have an opportunity to learn from a growing field of network organizing strategies. The bad news is that this field of work does not support conventional thinking and approaches to building alumni networks. read more »

On Learning, Networks and Communities of Practice... read more »

• Nancy White of Full Circle Associates asks for feedback on her proposed idea of ‘triangulation.’  She defines triangulation as “a practitioner’s experience using external networks to leverage learning and outcomes within organizations and institutions.”  She explores such themes as collaboration, community and technology.
• A paper, Communities of practice: Linking knowledge, policy and practice was recently published by Overseas Development Institute.  The paper focuses on basic characteristics of communities of practice and explains their growing importance (especially in international development).  It also suggests ways that organizations can implement and support their own communities of practice.

On Networks and Leadership Learning Community... read more »

•  Diana Scearce of Working Wikily writes about how to measure the effectiveness of working through and investing in networks.  Scearce draws upon the article by Bruce Hoppe and Claire Reinelt (of Leadership Learning Community), “Social Network Analysis and the Evaluation of Leadership Networks”, which points to three levels of network impact to consider: connectivity, overall network health and field level outcomes.  Claire Reinelt posts a comment responding to the article, listing ways to track different kinds of data.  She also writes about the idea that ultimate value can only be answered by the network “taking stock of their values and purpose.”

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On Networks and Change... read more »

• Beth Kanter writes about the power of networks and how they create social change.  Specifically, she touches on such issues as opened vs. closed networks, the different purposes of networking and network vibrancy (“things you don’t expect to happen take hold”).
• According to the nupolis blog, our use of networks and networking is still in the beginning stages, but it has the potential to be a big movement.  Networks have the potential to reduce costs and increase effectiveness of organizations, promote advocacy, facilitate integrated place-based development and improve the effectiveness of grantmaking.  There are few organizations who have determined that network building (as a strategy) is crucial and should be funded, but that number is growing and corresponds with the idea that organizations should concentrate on maximizing the number of resources they have at their disposal.

Social media is changing the way people interact with each other. As Clay Shirky suggests, social media and networks enable people to share, converse, collaborate, and in some cases, engage in collaborative action.  And while collaborative action is not widely popular yet, it is where the future is headed (Clay Shirky 2008).  read more »

On Change... read more »

• Seth Godin publishes a controversial post deriding non-profits for being resistant to change.  He argues that non-profits cannot use a lack of resources as an excuse because opportunities online are free or relatively inexpensive.  So, the only reason nonprofits do not embrace change, he says, is because they are not willing to give up “total control and bureaucracy.”  The Buzz Bin (among many others) publishes a post responding to Seth Godin, countering many of his points.

On Leadership and Networks… read more »

• A network is better understood as a community rather than as an organization; it is seen as “an environment of connectivity.”  IISC publishes a comprehensive definition and common characteristics of a network.
• An essay by Bill Traynor discusses the value of networking .  He emphasizes that building networks are the most efficient and effective means of getting things done in the nonprofit and business worlds.  He also focuses on the role that leaders play within networks.