Ambitious entrepreneurs need stimulating ecosystems and effective networks. Together with Karen Stephenson Dutch partners in regional economics (Ministry of Economic Affairs, Economic Board Utrecht, Utrecht University) explore the measurement, the functioning and improvement of business and social networks

1. 7/22/14
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1
--
WORKSHOP
Karen
Stephenson,
Ph.D.
www.ne6ormresources.com
www.drkaren.us
> Sponsorship and marketing plan
> Communications
> Data Collection
• Modified Snowball sampling
• SNA analysis
> Recognizing leaders
> Planning for change
> Measuring success
WORKSHOP AGENDA
SAGE ADVICE
Authority
Trust
Transactions
What are
conditions
for data
sharing
Determine
who owns
the data
Multiple &
broad
sponsorship
Prepare for
unexpected
events

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WORKSHOP AGENDA
LOCATION SPONSOR OUTCOMES
PHILADELPHIA LEADERSHIP
PHILADELPHIA
2-STUDIES, BOOK
LOUISVILLE LEADERSHIP
LOUISVILLE
LIMITED: DATA
HOARDING
LEXINGTON (10
COUNTIES)
UNITED WAY REGIONAL
STUDY;
CENTRALIZED
OPERATIONS
TUSCON LAWYER
CONSORTIUM
LMITED
RESOURCES,
UNEXPECTED
EVENT
PORTLAND LAWYER
CONSORTIUM
GEOGRAPHY &
RACISM
Ø Gather nominations from the population.
Ø Cull nominations, clean data for “ballot box stuffing,” etc.
Ø Analyze data by question type and determine top 100 or so
“connectors.”
The Process of Connecting
Ø Ask connectors if they know each other with a 5 minute
survey.
Ø Convene connectors in a public recognition ceremony.
Ø Let connectors and other civic leaders decide/develop next
steps.
Step 1: Soliciting Nominations
Step 2: Project Outcomes
6
Imagine that every five years, a research organization called the
“World’s Great Places,” publishes a list of the most wonderful
places in the world. The head of the World’s Great Places tells you
that the greater Philadelphia area has been evaluated and is on
the short list of metropolitan areas with the most potential to be
the “Greatest Place” for 2011. You are asked to form a team of
the most talented people who you personally know in the greater
Philadelphia area to help you think about what the area can do
between now and the time the contest ends – in 2011 – that will
ensure that Philadelphia wins the award of the greatest place in
the world.
PHILADELPHIA: THE NARRATIVE

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7
Think as broadly as you can - this effort will need great people
from various walks of life and with different skills and abilities.
Think of people you personally know and trust who are great
thinkers, innovators, doers, trustees, etc. Think of people from
various Philadelphia-area communities, walks of life, job
categories, classes, income levels, genders, religions, races,
ethnic groups, and age groups. Please do not name members of
your family. Please type in a name (or several – up to 10 names)
following each question and include an email address for the
leaders you name. If someone you name does not have email,
please include a telephone number for the individual. We want to
ask them to participate in this study, too. All names and contact
information will be held in strictest confidence and will be used
only to complete this study. Thank you for participating. (If you
don’t personally know someone who fits in any of the following
questions, please leave that question blank.)
PHILADELPHIA: THE NARRATIVE
8
Community Shift or Drift
The most significant barrier to change is “cultural drift,” whereby heroic efforts to swim
against conventional community beliefs start strong only to weaken and eventually be
set adrift in a larger, steadier cultural current of “status quo”.
Because we know change can only come about by a committed group of citizens, we
want these individuals to know their commitment to our community or civic efforts is
important to all of us. We recognize that the day-to-day demands of community issues
may prevent these connectors from being appreciated for the great things they
accomplish and for the important role they play in making our community a better place
to live. Their personal commitment of time and resources to make a contributory effort
on behalf of the greater good of the community is what it means to be civically engaged.
We have initiated this connector study because we want to recognize these people and
we want them to know how important they are to us. They have something we all
respect - an authentic and unwavering commitment to make our community a better
place. This community connector project is an effort to "shine a light" on these unsung
heroes for their work on behalf of the greater common good. It is the beginning of our
payback to them for the great works they perform in our community.
LEXINGTON: THE NARRATIVE
9
Soliciting Nominations
We will solicit nominations of individuals from all economic sectors and walks of life in
a 3-6 month time period. To do this, we put out a call to community leaders, the print
media, social media, and the everyday citizen. NetForm, a network analysis company
which has provided the same service for several similar studies in Philadelphia,
Louisville and Portland, cleans the data for any evidence of gaming and culls the
nominations for the top 100 or so individuals generally from a list numbering in the
thousands. We will then contact the nominees for permission to publish their names.
We recognize that some may prefer to work in anonymity and we will honor their wish
to remain in anonymity.
Project Outcomes
Once we receive permission from the nominees, we will publish the list, interview them
where possible and then organize an event whereby they come together to meet one
another. It is likely they may have colleagues in common but may have not met each
other personally or collaborated together. We hope that by coming together, their
connection will produce an exponential "lift" in civic engagement based on the new
ideas they may develop together. We do not generate projects for them; our facilitator
role is only to provide the opportunity for them to meet. We stand apart from any
political bias or agenda. We are doing this project because research has shown that all
too often these connectors work in isolated pockets of trust. Experience shows us that if
we bring these community leaders together, a greater community fabric can and will be
created and we all benefit from that. Previous connectors have expressed that it is a
great comfort to know there are others like them "out there" that they can turn to for
ideas, resources and collaboration.
LEXINGTON: PROCESS & OUTCOMES

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LOUISVILLE
FACT
SHEET
10
Leadership Louisville
Connector Project
FACT SHEET
What is the Leadership Louisville Connector Project?
As a signature project for the Leadership Louisville Center 0th anniversary,
we are launching the e an
exciting community conversation about leadership – one that identifies who we
trust and discovers new and different models of leadership. We are celebrating
our anniversary by making a creative and useful contribution to the community
by recognizing individuals who are leading efforts for change.
The Leadership Louisville Connector Project will use grassroots sources to
identify area Connectors who exemplify trusted leadership. It will determine
their leadership characteristics to share with future leaders and will build a map
of leaders committed to serving the common good for a high-level visual of
connection and leadership in the region.
Why is the Leadership Louisville Connector Project Important?
This project provides the first of its kind opportunity to identify and recognize
the often unsung individuals as well as traditional leaders in positions of
authority who all have the ability to create and influence change in the
Louisville and Southern Indiana region.
Our project is modeled on a ground-breaking effort by Leadership Philadelphia.
What is a
Best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell called the people who make it possible to
bring great ideas into fruition Connectors, for their ability to create and impact
change in their communities by serving as a pocket of trust. Connectors are not
always in positions of authority but have a great ability to lead and influence
others through their informal networks.
Where will it take place?
The Leadership Louisville Connector Project will focus on identifying Connectors
in the Louisville and Southern Indiana region. Individuals will be recognized by
the people who know them best.
When will it happen?
Call for Connector nominations September – October 2009
Connectors announced January – February 2010
Connector study and next steps February – June 2010
For additional information:
Visit www.LouisvilleConnectors.com or contact Holly Prather at
hprather@leadershiplouisville.org or (502) 561-0458.
The Leadership Louisville Center:
Created in 1979, the Leadership Louisville Center is the region’s leading
leadership development and civic engagement organization. The Center strives
to cross economic and social boundaries to inspire individuals to serve as
catalysts for a stronger community. Dynamic programming and events develop,
connect and engage leaders into action toward social innovation and a brighter
future for the Louisville community.
’s 3
Leadership Louisville Connector Project to generat
SOME LEADERS DON’T
GET THE RECOGNITION
If y
le
who are con
throug ity to
trul ce.
Nominate them
Sept. 9 – Oct. 31at
w
CONNECTOR PROJECT
PARTNERS:
THEY DESERVE.
ou know one of the many
aders in our community who
always get things done,
nominate them to be a
Connector - the real people
n cted enoughe
hout the commun
y make a differen
ww.LouisvilleConnectors.com.
“Connector”?
LOUISVILLE
FAQ
11
Leadership Louisville
Connector Project
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Help us recognize individuals creating positive
change and start a community conversation
on new leadership and how everyday people
do make a difference.
What is the Leadership Louisville Connector Project?
The Connector Project is an effort to identify and recognize individuals who have the ability to create and influence change in
the Louisville and Southern Indiana region. The first phase is a community-wide nomination process and later phases include
research on the leadership characteristics of Connectors and mapping of leadership in the area.
What is the Leadership Louisville Center?
The Leadership Louisville Center is the region’s leading leadership development and civic engagement organization. Its
mission is to grow community leaders to serve as catalysts for community change. Four programs including Leadership
Louisville, Bingham Fellows, Ignite Louisville and Focus Louisville along with other special events help accomplish the mission.
The Leadership Louisville Connector Project is a signature project for the Center’s 30
th
anniversary and we hope to generate a
community conversation about leadership – one that discovers new and different models of leadership.
What is a Connector?
The Louisville definition of Connector will emerge through the project. Best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell called the people
who make it possible to bring great ideas into fruition Connectors, for their ability to create and impact change in their
communities by serving as a pocket of trust. Connectors are not always in positions of authority but have a great ability to
lead and influence others through their informal networks.
How will individuals be identified?
The Connector Project begins with a community-wide call for nominations of individuals who have the qualities of a
Connector. A list of top Connectors will emerge through the nomination process.
Who is taking the nominations and identifying the list of top Connectors?
The Leadership Louisville Center is working with a neutral third party to conduct the data collection and analysis for the
Connector Project. Dr. Karen Stephenson, a cultural anthropologist who specializes in social-network studies along with her
New York based company, NetForm, are providing expertise and software for the Connector Project. Dr. Stephenson worked
on a similar project with Leadership Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, 101 Connectors were announced. The number in this study
will be determined by the data.
When can I submit a nomination?
Nominations will be taken September 9 – October 31, 2009.
How do I submit a nomination?
Go to www.LouisvilleConnectors.com and click on the link to complete a nomination form. You will answer a series of
questions with the names of individuals along with an email address and/or phone number for each person you nominate.
What does the nomination form include?
You will be asked to imagine that the Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana area is committed to transforming itself into the
World’s Best Region and you are responsible for putting together a team of people to make this happen. The nomination
form includes a series of questions designed to identify the people you know who possess expert knowledge, exemplify
innovative thinking and demonstrate fortitude.
How many people can I nominate?
The nomination form includes a series of questions and you can nominate several people for each question.
What are the nomination questions?
Who is innovative and brings big picture ideas to projects?
Who has expertise or expert knowledge to turn great ideas into reality?
Who has integrity, concern for the common good and the guts to help get things done?
Who is effective at implementing and would roll up their sleeves to see work through with you to the end?
Who would you depend on to help bring together and wisely coordinate resources to meet challenges?
Who in your own neighborhood or local community could you depend on to make the area the best in the world?
Who would you go to for advice outside of your own race, class, social circle, gender, religion, age group?
LOUISVILLE
FAQ
12
I don’t have access to internet – can I make a nomination?
Yes. Forms will be printed in The Courier-Journal on September 9 and September 13. You may also call the Leadership
Louisville Center at (502) 561-0458 and request that a form be mailed to you.
How will top Connectors be identified?
All nominations will be analyzed by NetForm to identify the top Connectors.
What are you going to do with the names submitted?
Names and contact information submitted will be held in confidence by the Leadership Louisville Center. The final list of
Connectors will be contacted to gain their permission before publicizing the list of top Connectors.
How will you make sure the study is valid and that it identifies the true Connectors and not people who just want
to be on the list?
The study is as valid as the community makes it through participation. This is not as scientific as the census but requires wide
participation for a study that deeply penetrates the community. You can help by encouraging the people you know to make
nominations.
How will you prevent people from stuffing the ballot?
NetForm will receive nominations and use technology to prevent individuals from tampering with the study. Also, nomination
questions are designed to guide the process and help prevent gaming. Wide community participation will also help.
Where should the nominees live?
Nominees should live in the Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana area. A concerted effort is being made to solicit
nominations from individuals from all walks of life with a wide range of skills, abilities and contacts.
Can I nominate someone that I don’t personally know?
We don’t suggest this. Please nominate individuals you know personally, although this includes a fairly broad definition.
Can I just nominate one person?
Nomination questions are designed to have you think about many people you know personally. It is unlikely one person fits
all of the questions. However, you do not have to answer all of the questions, you may only answer the ones in which
individuals come to mind.
Can I nominate myself?
If you feel that you have the qualities asked for in the nomination questions, yes.
How many times can I complete a nomination form?
We ask that you only submit one nomination form.
Do I have to include a phone number and email for everyone that I nominate?
No, but if you have that information, please include. This will help ensure we have accurate information to go along with
names submitted (i.e. There may be five people named John Doe in the area – his phone and email will let us know which
John Doe you are nominating).
Why do we have to answer so many questions?
Connectors have many qualities and the questions are designed to have you think about these qualities and the people you
know in different ways, such as friends, colleagues, neighborhoods, schools, faith-based organizations, etc.
Is there an age limit to people I nominate?
No.
Do you have information and the nomination form in other languages?
We are working on this.
Are you just trying to recognize unknown leaders or can I nominate a recognizable leader?
The community needs all types of leaders and we hope to receive nominations for both of these kinds of leaders.

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LOUISVILLE
FAQ
13
How are you getting the word out about the project?
Our media partner, the Courier-Journal is helping with advertising, along with other media outlets such as Louisville Magazine
and Today’s Woman magazine. We have extensive public relations efforts and we are mobilizing over 2,000 members and
graduates to assist with community outreach.
How can I help get more people to make nominations?
Encourage the people you know to visit www.LouisvilleConnectors.com to make a nomination. There you can print flyers and
nomination forms to share. You can also call the Leadership Louisville Center at (502) 561-0458 to request materials.
Are other communities doing this?
This project is modeled on a ground-breaking effort by Leadership Philadelphia. To date, Louisville is the only other
community initiating a similar project. Their website: www.leadershipphiladelphia.org.
When will the final list of Connectors be announced?
They will be announced in early 2010.
What are you going to do after the final Connectors are announced?
We will hold an event to recognize the Connectors. Research will also be done to discover how Connectors connect. A visual
map of connection and leadership in the region will be developed. Further research will be done on the leadership
characteristics of Connectors. We foresee the potential for many outcomes, but these will be driven by findings and input
from the Connectors.
Does this project have anything to do with politics?
No. The Connector Project is an effort to recognize a unique kind of leader and may or may not include elected officials and
political candidates.
Has anything like this been done before?
This project is the first of its kind in the region.
Will the top Connectors be like a most powerful people list?
We don’t expect it to be, although there could be some overlap. The results will depend on community-wide participation to
find the individuals that might be operating under the radar. Well known traditional leaders may also be nominated because
of their Connector qualities.
Who is involved in the Connector Project?
The Leadership Louisville Center is leading the project. Additional partners include: The Courier-Journal, University of
Louisville/New Cities Foundation City Solutions Center, Leadership Southern Indiana, Doe-Anderson, and NetForm.
Who should I contact for more information?
Holly Prather at hprather@leadershiplouisville.org or call (502) 561-0458.
2-Phase Process
Phase I - Nomination Questions:
u Who is innovative and brings big picture
ideas to projects?
u Who has expertise or expert knowledge
to turn great ideas into reality?
u Who has integrity, concern for the
common good and the guts to help get
things done?
u Who is effective at implementing and
would roll up their sleeves to see work
through with you to the end?
u Who would you depend on to help bring
together and wisely coordinate
resources to meet challenges?
u Who in your own neighborhood or local
community could you depend on to
make the area the best in the world?
u Who would you go to for advice outside
of your own race, class, social circle,
gender, religion, age group?
u Among this list of 101, who do you
know well enough to pick up a phone
to call on to roll up his or her sleeves
and see an effort through to the end?
u Among this list of 101, who is in your
local community (whatever you
consider to be your community)?
Cliques & Competition
u Among this list of 101, who do you
think has the expertise or expert
knowledge to turn great ideas into
reality?
u Among this list of 101, who would you
want to work with? Aspirational
Phase II - Social Network Questions
General Statistics
Category
Louisville
Philadelphia
Female
63 (49%)
42 (42%)
Male
65 (51%)
58 (58%)
Total
128
100
AGE DECADES
20 something
04 (3%)
01 (1%)
30 something
19 (15%)
17 (17%)
40 something
35 (27%)
24 (24%)
50 something
41 (32%)
40 (40%)
60 something
28 (22%)
17 (17%)
ECONOMIC SECTORS
Academic
14 (10%)
07 (7%)
Government (State+Fed)
19 (15%)
14 (14%)
Public/Faith/Non-profit
48 (37.5%)
49 (49%)
Corporate/Small Business
48 (37.5%)
30 (30%)

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ANALYSIS
Question
Academic
Gov t
Private
Public
Mark the individuals you know
well enough to call for real help
in seeing a project through to
the end.
2
13
7
17
Mark the individuals you would
work closely with to change the
way things are done.
0
12
11
15
Excluding the people already
marked, select the individuals
you would WANT to work with
on a civic project.
4
6
20
8
Total Network Roles (top 10%)
6
31
38
40
Total People per Sector
13
19
48
48
While the public & private sectors have the same number of people in
the sector, they are “inversely” related. The Private Sector is least
connected but they “want” to be (see numbers in red text). The Public
Sector is already strongly connected (see numbers in green text).
Connectors as Leaders
SUMMARY OF COMPETENCIES
1. GETTING IT DONE
Helps others maintain focus and holds self and others
accountable can be trusted to deliver results
2. INITIATING ACTION
Reaches out to individuals or groups who may offer resources
to one another to move initiatives forward, believing that one’s
actions will eventually lead to a productive outcome
3. BEING “THE REAL DEAL”
Demonstrates integrity in how one behaves in a wide variety of
social and organizational settings.
4. BEING A SOCIAL ANIMAL
Listens keenly when interacting with others; Seeks common
ground where others see none; builds rapport quickly.
5. NAVIGATING THE MAZE
Crosses traditional organizational/cultural boundaries to
establish relationships and move plans forward.
Connectors as Leaders
6. SEEING THE GLASS HALF FULL
Is optimistic by nature; Believes in and focuses self and
others on the possibilities and does not get sidetracked.
7. EMPOWERING PASSION
Expects the best in others, and inspires them to achieve more
than they thought possible; has contagious energy
8. BUILDING BRIDGES
Keeps an inventory of what is learned from and about others in
conversations; draws on this inventory to help connect people
as potential resources to one another.
9. THINKING BIG
Factors the common good into their decisions. Includes the
well being of the community into their job description.
10. CONSTANTLY CURIOUS
Has an appetite for continuous learning and seeks variety in
situations, people and information rather than sameness.
SUMMARY OF COMPETENCIES

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CONVENING THE CONNECTORS
• By bringing together the connectors in local town halls and
regional congresses, unexpected connections arise.
• Seize the potential for directed collaboration rather than
leaving it to localized and random connections.
• Be prepared for the collective “so what”? Organize for
putting hearts and minds to work. Have specific projects in
mind.
• Ensure the objectives of larger projects benefit the individual
as well as the heterarchy in the region.
• Remember that it is the entrepreneur that takes on all the
risk. They lose everything, including their status, so they will
be the most risk adverse when collaborating with gov’t and
not for profits.
19
SELECTED HETERARCHIES
20
- 9 -
DRAFT
police officer and every SWAT member collaborated
with community organizations to address specific
crimes and community issues. Fourth, the “un-offi-
cial” cultural practice of sporting a moustache and
sunglasses was discouraged. New uniforms helped to
shed the old ways. Finally, a shake-up in leadership
sent the message that old ways would not be tolerat-
ed.
ing in LA and neither force communicated, collabo-
rated, or in any way shared work-related information
or best practices with each other. What was patently
obvious to outsiders was now apparent to the officers
who witnessed their own network maps. Data doesn’t
lie because data is neutral. A battery of recommend-
ed actions in a sternly worded report ordered aggres-
sive hiring to diversity the police ranks. Secondly,
mandatory rotation replaced the voluntary policy to
ensure that every SWAT officer had community-po-
licing experience and every community beat cop
had SWAT training. Third, every community based
Date Location Purpose
1993-5 United States LA Riots in Los Angeles + LAPD
2001 United States Pentagon
2001-2 Great Britain London, the borough of Newham
2002-3 Great Britain Devon count – domestic violence
2002-3 Great Britain East Midlands – Domestic violence in Northampton
2003 United States Philadelphia Connector Project
2004 Dutch Antilles Police Department on the island of Curacao
2005 United States Philadelphia Millennial Leadership Project
2005-6 Great Britain East Midlands - Nottingham in the county of Nottinghamshire - Burglary
2005-6 Great Britain King’s Lynn in Norfolk county – neighborhood improvement
2005-7 United States Tank Automotive Armaments Command (TACOM) of the ARMY
2005-7 United States Joint Munitions Command (JMC) of the ARMY
2006 Great Britain Children and young people’s services in King’s Lynn
2006-7 Great Britain East Midlands - County of Nottinghamshire: delivery of sport
2006-7 Great Britain East Midlands – Lincolnshire – Sport delivery
2006-7 Great Britain Leicestershire and Rutland counties – delivery of sport
2007 United States USCG (Coast Guard) in the DHS
2007 United States Louisville Connector Project
2007-8 Great Britain East Midlands – Derby in the county of Derbyshire – anti-social behavior
2008 United States United Nations – 35 agencies
2007-8 Great Britain Harborough District Council (see Appendix A)
2009 United States Portland Connector Project
2008-9 Great Britain East Midlands - Mansfield in the county of Nottinghamshire – anti-social behav-
ior
2008-9 Great Britain Mansfield in the county of Nottinghamshire – Local strategic partnerships
2009-10 Great Britain Mansfield in county of Nottinghamshire – neighborhood improvement (second
study)
2011 United States United Way Bluegrass Connector Project
Table 2: Selected Heterarchies
✓✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓