Network Weaving
Creating Stronger Communities
NETWORK WEAVERSJune Holley’s Definition: A Network Weaver is someone who is aware of the networks around them and explicitly works to make them healthier (more inclusive, bridging divides). Network Weavers do this by connecting people strategically where there’s potential for mutual benefit, helping people identify their passions, and serving as a catalyst for self-organizing groups.
As A Network Weaver
• You help people see opportunities• Support initiation of collaborative projects • You coach and support• You help them notice what works • You encourage them to spread the
patterns of success and scale• You help deepen the quality of
relationships• You help people learn to work in
networked ways
Traditional Mindset: Hub & Spokes
Network Mindset
“connect and collaborate” rather than “command and control”
Steps to Network Weaving
* Shift in leadership mindset* Know your network* Socialize* Listen and Engage* Connect* Strengthen Network Systems* Evolve Your Role as the Network Matures
Network Leadership Organizational Leadership
Position, authority
Few leaders
Leader broadcasts
Leader controls
Top down
Planning
Provides service
Network Leadership
Role, behavior
Everyone is a leader
Leader engages
Leader facilitates and supports
Bottom Up
Innovation & Experimentation
Supports self-organization
Adapted from June Holley’s Network Weaving Handbook, pg 29
Allowing for emergence, surprises, experiments
Listening
Permeable boundaries
Sharing and giving
Transparency
Not putting people into boxes
Valuing diversity and inclusiveness
Value errors and mistakes
http://ccc.georgkolb.com/
Mapping Networks
Mapping canilluminate key opportunities for action and
investment
know the net -- see the map of how things really work knit the net -- adjust the network for improvements
BE GENEROUS
Increasing Connectivity• New audiences
bring new ideas• Flow leads to
health• Leave room for
adjustments and the unexpected
• Rethink “ownership”
Plan (or allow) for Emergence
Benefits of Strong Networks
• More efficient use of staff time• Regenerative, constant flow• Sustaining energy• Responsive• Focus on people and community• Cultivate appreciation for “host”
Network Weaver Roles
Connector Catalyst
Connects people. Gets network building started.
Build social culture.
Network Facilitator
Helps convene people to set up a more explicit and focused
network.
Self-Organized Project Coordinator
Helps coordinate self-organized projects.
Network Guardian
Helps put in place systems for networks: communications,
training, support, etc.
Don’t Have All The Answers:Over-functioning leadership disempowers networks
Thrive By Working Together
Chris Brogan• Spend 20 minutes a day observing
your network. • Spend 10 minutes a day cultivating
new relationships. • Use an organized contact
management system to manage relationships, not just keep contact info.
• Deliver two to three times as much value as you ask from your network. This keeps people eager to be helpful when the time comes that you need them.
Beth Kanter• Make it personal. Ask for their stories, their input, their thoughts. Emphasize theirimportance to the community and allow them to run with projects and to be creativeEveryone wants to contribute and to make something better/leave a lasting mark.
• Humanize your leaders. Make them available. If the members feel like the community is very hierarchical they may never feel like they belong on the “inside”.
Use your position to energize your community.
• Play matchmaker. The leaders in the community should focus onputting people together with like ideas, interests etc. help them bridgethe social interaction gap.
Network Weaving Handbook
Facebook group discussion:http://bit.ly/networkweaving
Follow June Holley’s Workon Network Weaving
Catalyzing Networks for Social Change, Monitor Institute, pg 15
For more info: Deborah McLaren 651-983-9880 [email protected]
Find my presentations at www.slideshare.net/deborahmclaren
5/14/14 – Charities Review