Contact Details

Paul Jackson Associates
34A Clarence Road
St. Albans AL1 4NG

+44 (0)7973 953586

info@impro.org.uk

Creating successful networks

I've been studying more and less successful networks to identify what works well.  These seem to be some of the characteristics:

  • It meets the wants and desires of participants/members
  • It attracts their energies - almost magnetically
  • It's emergent – the structure follows the ways people want to interact with each other
  • It's hosted – Someone (or some group) makes things happens, welcomes you, sorts out the location (real or virtual)
  • The host also creates a brand or feel, to which participants respond
  • There are meetings – specific, labelled, timed, purposeful interactions, with a practical agenda – to talk, learn, do
  • Minimal bureaucracy (including cost) to serve these needs without obstructing or dominating them
  • The structure must remain flexible, as needs evolve or change – eg size, external conditions, new purposes

 

To what extent do your networks match up?

 

What else are you doing that is working?

 

What could we do to make them work even better?

 

 

Our Executive Leadership Program was a tremendous success. We got an overall evaluation of 4.9 on a 5.0 scale (almost unheard-of here for a first time 'pilot'). Your training was instrumental in getting us grounded and off to a good start in terms of design. Thanks so much again!Procter & Gamble

I liked the chance to have a go at lots of different things in a stretching but risk-free environment - good fun!!Tesco

The training was action-oriented and very much geared to participation….gives both the tools and the confidence to work effectively.” Oxfam

Enjoyable and informative: this is the way forward.” Brook Street

The session definitely exceeded our expectations and gave us a whole new perspective to think about structured learning experiences within P&G.  Well worth the time spent. Appreciate all your hard work.” Procter & Gamble

Ideas, inspiration, processes for getting more creative ideas out of people. Loved it.” Greenpeace UK

“…they are now working and thinking much more as a unit, and it is encouraging to see the investment in the course reap such rewards.” Audit Commission

Tour-de-force” Partner, Grant Thornton

Very good investment of time… really does make a difference.” Senior consultant, Fujitsu

Our Newsletter

For free articles, tips and news, please subscribe here for our occasional newsletter. We will not pass your details to anyone else, even if they ask us nicely.

 

Your Email Address: