Step 1: Ignite and Invite Others to Participate
STEP ONE: IGNITE AND INVITE OTHERS TO PARTICIPATE
A small representative group or ‘Collaboration Convenors’ are essential for GUIDING and communicating a process that contributes to knowledge exchange and, ultimately, to INCLUSIVE and INNOVATIVE THINKING.
Gather a small representative group of stakeholders as a Collaboration Convenors to GUIDE a process that contributes to knowledge exchange and, ideally, collaboration.
Describe the collaborators you are seeking (e.g. social profits, government, business, citizens, potential users or members, supporters, contributors). Consider those who (1) have a vested interest in this opportunity or challenge or (2) may have assets to contribute.
- are respected as ‘influencers’ who have trust and credibility as leaders (with or without a formal title);
- enjoy and are good at examining the ‘big picture’;
- have found success as the result of innovative approaches;
- represent different internal and external stakeholders (it will be especially important to hear from the outliers and/or those who may be disadvantaged in some way);
- have influence, expertise, or resources that would enhance the planning initiative;
- can assist to ensure all voices are heard;
- have access to networks and potential resources, and;
- represent a variety of leadership styles.
a. Initiate the process by thinking about who you could invite to begin to discuss this issue, opportunity, or initiative and, ultimately, serve as a member of the ‘Community Collaborators'. Its important to keep in mind that you are inviting 5 to 9 individuals who:
b. Next, determine a recruitment process for the Collaboration Convenors. A position description and/or committee terms of reference or team charter could be important for ensuring clarity. It will also be important for recruiting Convenors, as it will allow for a transparent, open process where participants can be suggested or encouraged to self-identify and step forward to express their interest. Background Fact Sheets, briefings, position papers, videos, etc. could also be developed to provide context. Resources like the Window of Work application/interview form may also prove useful. If it becomes necessary to reduce the number of participants, you may want to invite everyone to the first meeting to ensure there is a fit.
c.Once the committee is in place, begin the process by convening a small informal meeting. Face to face would be ideal, however online meetings are also effective. Or, meeting individually with stakeholders can be an option.
d. Describe the anticipated outcomes of the first meeting of the Collaboration Convenors before designing an agenda. What do you want participants to leave with by the end of the meeting? Then, (1) select the facilitative tools or techniques you would you use at this stage to (2) recruiting and igniting convenors and (3) implementing the actual meeting. For designing the actual meeting see About Introductions and other tools for igniting initial discussion and creating connections among the members of the cohort.
Tools for Recruiting, Introducing and Igniting
We empower collective capacity for local social, economic, and environmental well-being by strengthening collective capacity for whole-community, sector-connected approaches with support and training for teams and coaches.
Individual and organizational future-readiness is supported increasing capacity for (1) community and stakeholder-led development, (2) systems-practices, (3) strategic foresight, and (4) digital optimization. We've learned these four components are necessary for the project and systems collaboration and informed decision-making we have experienced as being essential for transformative change and innovation.
Innovative projects require being bold, perseverance, tenacity and a sprinkle of panic.
-- Michelle Baldwin
Many situations in life are similar to going on a hike: the view changes once you start walking. You don't need all the answers right now. New paths will reveal themselves if you have the courage to get started.
--James Clear
Leadership today is about courage. Courage to realize our challenges are complex and no one individual, organization, or sector can resolve them on their own. That means we have to let go of the idea that we alone have the answers. Instead, we need to strengthen our individual and organizational competencies in order to become sector connectors who call meetings before we have the answers, aren't intimidated by messy, and can ensure a culture where all voices are heard. Only then, can our collective gifts, experience, and wisdom be focused on building a better future for all.
--Brenda Herchmer
In times of change it is the learners who inherit the future. Those who have finished learning find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists.
-- Eric Hoffer
