networkweaving - creating stronger communities

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Network Weaving Creating Stronger Communities

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An overview of network weaving compiled and presented by Deborah McLaren, Network Weaver and Community Economic Development specialist at Local Flavor in St. Paul, MN. Information from June Holley's "Network Weaver Handbook: A Guide to Transformational Networks" available at www.networkweaving.com and Beth Kantor, author of “The Networked Nonprofit” with Allison Fine published by J Wiley in 2010 - See more at: http://www.bethkanter.org/about-beth/#sthash.dZxziHfQ.dpuf

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Page 1: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

Network Weaving

Creating Stronger Communities

Page 2: Networkweaving - 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.

Page 3: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

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

Page 4: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

Traditional Mindset: Hub & Spokes

Page 5: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

Network Mindset

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

Page 6: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

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

Page 7: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

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

Page 8: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

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

Page 9: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

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

Page 10: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

BE GENEROUS

Page 11: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

Increasing Connectivity• New audiences

bring new ideas• Flow leads to

health• Leave room for

adjustments and the unexpected

• Rethink “ownership”

Page 12: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

Plan (or allow) for Emergence

Page 13: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

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”

Page 14: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

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.

Page 15: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

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

Page 16: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

Thrive By Working Together

Page 17: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

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.

Page 18: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

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.

Page 19: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

Network Weaving Handbook

Facebook group discussion:http://bit.ly/networkweaving

Follow June Holley’s Workon Network Weaving

Page 20: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

Catalyzing Networks for Social Change, Monitor Institute, pg 15

Page 21: Networkweaving - Creating Stronger Communities

For more info: Deborah McLaren 651-983-9880 [email protected]

Find my presentations at www.slideshare.net/deborahmclaren

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