Funders+Guide+Working+with+a+Network+Mindset



=Part 2: Work with a Network Mindset=

//** What does it mean to work with a network mindset? **//


 * To work with a network mindset means embracing an emerging leadership style that is characterized by greater openness, transparency, decentralized decision-making, and collective action. It means operating with an awareness of the networks you are embedded in, and listening to and cultivating these networks to achieve the impact you care about. It means exercising leadership through active participation. It means sharing by default. It means communicating through a network model, rather than a broadcast model—finding where the conversations are happening and taking part…. Etc.. getting involved in relationships of reciprocal exchange (Audrey).
 * Funders can embrace a network mind-set in their daily operations inside their own organizations and also in the ways they work with other funders and communities. Working in more transparent and decentralized ways, like “consulting the crowds” on a program strategy, can deliver immediate benefits for the task at hand, and also can serve as a way to model important behavior for the communities in which a funder is working.

**//What are the challenges?//**


 * Dealing with information overload already. It’s hard to find the time or make the case for adding more
 * Managing parallel communication systems—institutional and individual
 * Concerns around clear, consistent messaging and managing expectations
 * Unlearning institutional behaviors that tend toward being “very spoke and hub”
 * Traditional norms for accountability
 * Privacy concerns
 * The twin need for support from above and genuine commitment at the individual level
 * The need to have and demonstrate an “ROI” (this is more a comment. The issue is not that networks don not produce ROI -- they can, and often do. The issue is control of results, and quick turn around to get to results on someone else's timetable (Audrey))
 * Payoff can feel slow in coming; need to balance with some quick wins (Susie)
 * Recognizing and trying to minimize the power dynamic that often surfaces when funders enter the picture (Kathy)

**//How to create environments that encourage working with a network mindset?//**


 * Cultivating a learning culture
 * Incentives
 * Some common language and understanding within the org about networks
 * Safe opportunities for staff to experiment working in this way-and the message that it is ok to start small and fail often.
 * Making the case for the value of working in this way –more impact and not more work
 * Examples from others
 * Connecting what is new with what people are already doing. SMcA
 * Tolerate, expect risk and encourage innovation (Audrey)

**//To get started….//**


 * A discussion of a range of ways funders can get started working wikily. E.g., Close triangles (introduce people). Experiment with working transparently. Convene. Engage and ask the ‘crowds.’ Share learning.

**//Sidebar: Additional Resources//**
 * E.g., Working Wikily, The Networked Nonprofit

Go back to the Funders Guide Preliminary Outline.