Network Basics June Holley Network Weaver junenetworkweaving com

Network Basics June Holley, Network Weaver june@networkweaving. com January 2010

What do we mean by networks? Networks are sets of relationships and the patterns they create These patterns influence the quality of communication and the likelihood of collaboration and innovation

Network Basics • Nodes • Link • Connected pair • Isolates • Directional link • Triangles – Open – Closed Valdis Krebs orgnet. com

What do we mean by networks? Big “N” networks Little “n” network Catalytic Circle Network

We Need Different Lenses Network Lens Organizational Lens

The Organizational Lens Valdis Krebs orgnet. com

The Network Lens Valdis Krebs orgnet. com

A tree can only get bigger

…it can also be chopped down!

Rhizomatic plants spread and grow

…because they are connected by vast networks of support

Organization ~ Network

What is the Function of Your Network? Learning Network Policy Network Catalytic Network Do Network (Implementation)

What do we mean by Networks? ‘NETWORKING’ SELFORGANIZING NETWORKS W/ FORMAL ELEMENTS INFORMAL Network Adapted from Taschereau & Bolger (2007) Chart by Monitor Institute INSTITUTIONALIZED NETWORKS INTERORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS FORMAL Organization

Why analyze networks? 1. Improve information flow 2. Increase communication 3. Increase awareness of relationships 4. Increase inclusion & peer interaction across traditional divides 5. Open new resources 6. Expand support leadership 7. Encourage innovation, collaboration & learning for better outcomes and breakthroughs 8. Increase the chance of spread of good ideas/practices

Smart Networks: Networks most helpful in promoting collaboration & innovation Network Structure • Core consists of clusters w different perspectives who know & trust each other • Periphery draws in new ideas & resources • This represents a Field of Potential for action

Characteristics of Smart Networks Self-Organized Action Many people initiate experiments & collaborations Move from small acts to larger Breakthroughs from diversity Successful innovations spread

Support Emergence and the Tipping Point Projects Entrepreneurs 1000 Emergence of Collaborative Region Tipping Point to Self-Organization v v v 50 0 1993 2006

Be Rhizomatic! Every act contains the nutrients for many additional acts: training, network connections, seed resources

Network Strategies + Self-Organizing Experiments + Rhizomatic Acceleration = Transformation

Network Weaver A Network Weaver is willing to take responsibility for making the network more effective by increasing the quantity and quality of connections.

Characteristics of Smart Networks Network Weavers & Guardians Much capacity building, skill building Trust building activities Facilitation of initial actions Creation of support structures & communication systems (esp Web 2. 0)

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