The Skills and Mindset of a Successful

Community Weaver

Lisa ColtonDarim Online

November, 2011

AGENDA

• Refresher: Fortress vs Sponge• Network Basics• What is a Network Weaver?• Skills and Activities of Weavers• Shifting Job Responsibilities & Descriptions• Discussion Q&A

Fortress: Insiders in, Outsiders out

Sponges: Transparency & Constant Flow In and Out

All The Buzz

http://www.schusterman.org/networksgathering http://bit.ly/tzd62u

Traditional Mindset: Hub & Spokes

Network Mindset

“connect and collaborate” rather than “command and control”

How does your synagogue work a network?

How does it NOT work like a network?

Communities evolve in predictable ways

Fragments Single-Hub Multi-Hub Core/Periphery

Communities often evolve along predictable pathways from fragmented clusters of people interested in a concept, to a single hub-and-spoke when a leader pulls the clusters together,

to multiple hubs where a variety of people take responsibility, and finally to a core/periphery with a tight ball of members surrounded by interested hangers on.

What do these remind you of in your community?

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 WEAVERS

June 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• They initiate a collaborative Project • 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• Your help people learn to work in

networked ways

Think Small. And Big.

Don’t Have All The Answers:Over-functioning leadership disempowers networks

Ask Questions, Tag People

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.

Listen and Empower

What have you learned by listening?

Where have you empowered?

BE GENEROUS

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.

BE YOURSELF

Na’aseh v’nishmah

Job Descriptions

Program Directors

Social Media Managers

Community Managers

Network Weavers

Resources

• Schusterman video• Chris Brogan on job descriptions• #Jnets gathering in Colorado• June Holley’s Network Weaving blog• June Holley’s Network Weaver Checklist

Next Related Session

January 12, 2012 1-2pm easternStaffing Beyond the Accidental Techie

Oftentimes, organizations find someone on staff who’s good with technology, or at least likes to play around and can help out others.

This is what we call the “accidental techie”. They weren’t hired to do this, but have fallen into it.

Join us to discuss staffing needs, how to evolve to the right place, and how everyone should have at least some role. See our calendar for additional upcoming events: http://bit.ly/pLEjG7