NETWORK RESOURCES

 
 

First, a note on semantics. Networks, collaborations, collectives, alliances, coalitions … plus so many more buzzwords to wade through! Some argue there are distinctions or different meanings for each, but I use these names interchangeably and believe lessons are relevant to all forms of collaborative work.

Much of the recent research and literature uses “network,” and I use that term here. And there is a LOT written from different sources and varying perspectives. A few favorites that I have found useful in working with groups and in collaborative settings …

3 overview pieces from Stanford Social Innovation Review

The Most Impactful Leaders You’ve Never Heard OF

By Jane Wei-Skillern, David Ehrlichman, & David Sawyer | Sep 16 2015

“In our research and experience, the single most important factor behind all successful collaborations is trust-based relationships among participants. Many collaborative efforts ultimately fail to reach their full potential because they lack a strong relational foundation.

Five STeps to Building an Effective Impact NetworK

By David Ehrlichman, David Sawyer, & Jane Wei-Skillern | Nov 11 2015

A fundamental process of network building:

  • Clarify purpose.

  • Convene the right people.

  • Cultivate trust.

  • Coordinate actions.

  • Collaborate generously.

Living in a World of Both/And

By Adene Sacks & Heather McLeod Grant | Sep 16 2016

A breakdown of differences between traditional organizational leadership and different approaches for leading networks.

“Today’s social change leaders—be they from business, government, or nonprofits—must learn to straddle the leadership mindsets and practices of both networks and organizations, and know when to use which approach.”

More on leadership, and a case study that ties it all together. And if you’re really ambitious, this book full of lessons and nationwide examples…

The Less Visible LEader, Institute for Conservation Leadership

Practices for the “net-centric” leader:

  1. Catalyzes a culture of spirited cooperation

  2. Shares power and generates momentum

  3. Stays true to the long-term vision while navigating frequent twists and turns

The Santa Cruz Mountains Stewardship Network

Case study that explores many facets of building and leading a network designed for shared goals.

Connecting to Change the world, Peter Plastrik, Madeline Taylor, John Cleveland

Successful networks are designed—they don’t just happen. Knowing a network’s essential design issues—and how to make and when to change design choices—is a crucial part of the practice of building effective social-impact networks. This book explores common network design issues in depth and offers practical advice on how to handle them from start up to evaluation. - SSIR 2014

And after the theory, some selected tools to adapt and apply to your network

Network Health Scorecard

This “assessment” helps name and understand good network practices - it’s a great summary of ways you may want your network to work. It can also be adapted as a survey tool to gather input from your network participants and identify areas of agreement and divergence, challenges and opportunities.

Leading Systems Change

Workbook that follows a case study format to present a roadmap for network building.

networkweaver.com

From June Holley, a respected network leader with decades of experience. It’s set up as a store, but this generous library of offers a range of free tools and resources to help build and manage your network.