I imagine the majority of us value collaboration. We believe that doing it increases impact, fosters innovation, and is especially called for when it comes to effecting large-scale systemic change (or transformational change). Many say collaboration is more efficient than disconnected social change or social service efforts. The expectations of many funders are that grantContinue reading “Collaborating to Understand Collaboration; A New Tool”
Category Archives: Collective Wisdom
35 Voices On Collaborative Leadership and Co-Creating Cities of the Future
In July and August, I sought out individuals in my personal and professional network to contribute to a major paper I was writing on Collaborative Leadership and Co-Creating Cities of the Future. I sought out participation through Facebook, via a survey which I promoted in emails and through Twitter. The paper was released last weekContinue reading “35 Voices On Collaborative Leadership and Co-Creating Cities of the Future”
Was that you I saw standing on the edge?
I was the Lumber Jack size of a man with his toes on the precipice just a stone’s throw away from you. My toes were nearly hanging over, which meant my belly extended even further over the edge. The other side – that place beyond the chasm where I wanted to be – wasn’t allContinue reading “Was that you I saw standing on the edge?”
Together, Differently
I sit on the Mayor of Edmonton’s Task Force to End Poverty. It’s a diverse group including the expected mix of leaders from government, business, education and community services. At a recent gathering we were working together to increase common understanding about poverty as well as to move forward with identifying strategies. In this sessionContinue reading “Together, Differently”
Becoming a Learning Organization – Part Two
ACTION LEARNING According to Michael J. Marquardt[1], “action learning is a dynamic process that involves a small group of people solving real problems, while at the same time focusing on what they are learning and how their learning can benefit [one another]….Perhaps action learning’s most valuable capacity is its amazing, multiplying impact to equip individuals,Continue reading “Becoming a Learning Organization – Part Two”
Becoming a Learning Organization – Part One
SINGLE, DOUBLE, AND TRIPLE LOOP LEARNING One key to organizational success has to do with the capacity of people to learn – learn from mistakes as well as learn from successes. The call for organizational learning has escalated over the years ever since our culture and economy transitioned from a “we make things” focus toContinue reading “Becoming a Learning Organization – Part One”
Reflecting on Tamarack’s 2013 Communities Collaborating Institute
How does one feel exhausted and energized at the same time? Well, attend a Tamarack CCI and you will understand that sentiment! Accelerating Impact was this year’s theme and rally cry, and it prompted some excellent conversation at the Learning Pod I facilitated. When asked what accelerating impact meant to him, one of our podContinue reading “Reflecting on Tamarack’s 2013 Communities Collaborating Institute”
Upside Down Thinking
So many great minds in our sector are talking about the need to change, the urgency to transform services and operations in ways that not only fit our chaotic environment but influence its future as well. We tend to be rather good at seeing what should change and why, but life becomes much more difficultContinue reading “Upside Down Thinking”
Nelson Mandela’s 7 Leadership Lessons
To read the entire posting go HERE (1) Master your meaning and your emotions (2) Treat the losers with dignity and turn them into partners (3) Shift perspectives through symbolism and shared experiences (4) Embody the spirit of Ubuntu* (5) Everybody feels bigger in your presence (6) Build a sustainable fellowship around your cause (7)Continue reading “Nelson Mandela’s 7 Leadership Lessons”
Leadership in Complex Times
Announcing the Release of Leadership in Complex Times: Must-Have Leadership Qualities and Abilities Introduction I have been working on this long essay for a year now on and off, and while I am never quite sure if I am done, I figure it is well enough along the way to share by now. I hopeContinue reading “Leadership in Complex Times”
The Power of We
This girl put a coin in a hat and it set off an incredible collaboration that will move you. Imagine if we could orchestrate such power and grace and beauty to make a better community for all of us – together, in unison.
