The document discusses methods for enhancing online collaboration through the integration of social networking and structured problem-solving. It emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships, understanding human elements, and ensuring effective communication within teams. Additionally, it explores case studies and challenges faced in implementing collaborative technologies and strategies for driving participation among community members.

1. 1Relationship and Virtual Collaboration DesignRadical Real-TimeJune 5, 201011

2. 2For the next hour…Describe a method of building stronger online collaborations by combining (on the same platform)A specific social networking approach andStructured problem solvingShare a partial “inspiration” (very successful)Share a more thorough partial implementationIdentify some challengesDiscuss how to improve approach and overcome challenges

3. For the next hour…Describe a method of building stronger online collaborations by combining (on the same platform)A specific social networking approach andStructured problem solvingShare a partial “inspiration” (very successful)Share a more thorough partial implementationFast !!Identify some challengesDiscuss how to improve approach and overcome challenges3

4. 4Broader discussionQuestionsIdeas for improvementHow is this different or the same from what you’ve seen elsewhere?What else should we be thinking about?

5. 5Collaboration process promises benefitsBetter solutions due to cognitive diversityMore commitment to the results, because we were part of creating themMethods for:Integrating diverse views

6. Managing the human elements+Diverse perspectives and expertise

7. 6Collaborative success comes from conversations that generate:SolutionsMeta-knowledge (other people to talk with)Problem reformulationSource: Rob Cross, Lee Sproull, More than an answer: Information Relationships for Actionable Knowledge; ORGANIZATION SCIENCE, Vol. 15, No. 4, July-August 2004, pp. 446-462

8. 7WikiSuccess requires many ingredientsRight processes to startImportant issue++Right processes to maintain=++Right people++Right informationTrusted connection+Right support

9. 8We know we can’t just throw people in a room and get a team that works well..Picture by Allan Edwards, Flickr

10. 9…and a technologically-enabled process must meet technical and social needs.

11. 10Human element critical to collaborationUsually what the designer has in mindOften not thought about explicitly

12. 11Creating strong relationships requires specific mindset and actionsMove forwardListenHelp the other personRemove barriersReengage after inevitable setbacksMaintain steady contactCommit to Other’s Growth and Development

13. 12People who are looking for help should:Offer to help firstDisplay a general motive to helpKnow the business case for getting help – how important is this project (really) Make the interaction as effective as possible

14. 1313Polymath is an online math problem solving network – and an inspiration

15. 1414Polymath collaboration structure

16. 1515Polymath results

17. 1616Civic Connect is project of Civic Consulting Alliance

18. 1717CCA wanted to capitalize on its alumni and friendsNetwork of alumni and friendsConsultants and other professionals energized about the organizationHave full-time jobs with intermittent opportunities (e.g., week between projects)Extremely well-connectedPart of large offices with other professionals in ChicagoMembers of large multi-national firmsExisting mechanisms5th Thursday cocktail parties (2-4 x per year)E-newsletter (about 800)LinkedIn group (about 150)

19. 18One platform provides both social network and problem solving approachFocused social networkProfilesAnswers to questionsProblem solving methodStructured asynchronousInch pebbles

20. Analysis resultsExecuted throughDiscussion forums (topics being address)

21. Wiki pages (fixed items)Structured synchronousSandwich meetingsExecuted through Webex (or similar)Facilitated with Compendium

22. 19Solution advancing and conversation process

23. 20Individual profile help get interactions startedCCA-Pilot Q&A is critical:What are you good at helping people with?

24. What problem-solving experience continue to influence your thinking and approach to new problems?

25. What books or people have influenced your thinking about problem-solving?

26. What broad scale issues or problems most capture your attention today?

27. What have you done to help someone (don't have to name names!!) who is also in Civic Connect?Identifying objectives is critical:What are you trying to accomplish (so others can help you)?2121Community owners can use tactics that drive participationTalk to influentials more, others less. Increase the number of interactions. Solicit opinions People with vested interests Create a challenge to overcome, Create a poll, allow people to vote. Remove unused features. Mention names more often. Arrange time-specific activities. Advertise for a volunteer helper.Ideas adapted from FeverBee – by Richard Millington

28. 222222Good topics to drive participation focus on the members as peopleAsk them generically about themselves. Ask about likes/dislikes. Get people to agree/re-affirmation their beliefs. Discuss seasonal stories.Anxieties. Ask for advice. Breaking news/gossip. Reminisce. Aspirations. Treat members like people !!!Suggested in FeverBee by Richard Millington

29. 23Problem-solving with hypothesis-driven “inch pebbles”

30. 24 Sample “inch pebbles”

31. 25 Challenges of the launch

32. 26Other challengesDeveloping a suitable technology (alpha site now migrated to new technology)Managing the community

33. 27Broader discussionQuestionsIdeas for improvementHow is this different or the same from what you’ve seen elsewhere?What else should we be thinking about?