2. Networks| A Shift in Thinking
Hierarchical Approach Network Approach
Outreach Engagement
Few leaders Everyone a leader
Cause and effect Complex causes
Predictable Unexpected
Silos Collaboration
Broadcast Social Web
20th century 21st century
3. Why Networks| Spread the wealth (and the work!)
Develops peer relationships
Requires inclusion
Mobilizes leadership
Encourages innovation
7. Networks| Mapping and Analysis
Mapping Group Exercise
http://inmaps.linkedinlabs.com/
http://www.bethkanter.org/network-mapping/
The Network Weaver Handbook (2012), June Holley
First tell June Holley’s story p. 8 introduction to Network Weaver Handbook – with qualifier re: people of color communities. Then plot out points hierarchy vs. networks. We have moved into an era of complexity. The hierarchical leadership style of the 20 th century is not effectively addressing the issues we face as public broadcasters in the 21 st century.
Why is a network approach a more effective strategy for our complex, 21 st century world? Networks encourage peer relationships that acknowledge every individual has a valuable contribution to make. Networks, when effective, include all stakeholders affected by an issue. Those most impacted by a problem are essential participants as they have the deepest understanding of the system and how it works (or doesn’t). Networks encourage individuals to connect with others and initiate collaborative action. Power is distributed among many, not concentrated by few. All this collaborative action that includes and empowers formally excluded individuals leads to new thinking, new behavior and new ideas!
Old Boys Club: Closed and homogenous. People interact only with people like themselves Plusses: 1) high levels of trust, and 2) people know what’s happening throughout the network Minuses: no access to other ideas or perspectives Elephant: references the parable of the blind men and the elephant. People here are connected only to two others. Plusses: potential to know their friends’ friends who may have different perspectives Minuses: less likely to know what’s happening in other parts of the network – a limited view of the whole
Hub and Spoke: one person controls this network and information flow in the network Plusses: very efficient way of spreading information Minuses: 1) people are less likely to know what’s going on in other parts of the network independent of hub, and 2) If the hub left the network, it would probably fall apart Isolated clusters: groups with similar affiliations, geography, race/ethnicity are barely connected to each other Plusses: solidarity and comfort of similarity Minuses: 1) people tend to hear only one perspective, 2) can lead to discrimination, and 3) people unlikely to know what’s happening in other clusters