Gathering Around the Table: Appraising your Network to Identify Assets
This time of year people gather around a table with the most important people in their lives to share a meal and express gratitude. In the professional world, these gatherings serve as a metaphor for the importance of regular network convenings to celebrate successes, review challenges, and strategize for continued improvement. Successful networks depend on active engagement to affirm shared goals, build trust, and strengthen relationships among the stakeholders. Periodic appraisal of network assets supports continuous improvement by highlighting network strengths and gaps and strategizing for positive change over time.
Defining and aligning “complementary expertise” among network partners and community members strengthens the effectiveness and efficiency of the network. Just like holiday meals combine several foods to make a grand feast, highlighting stakeholders’ complementary expertise ensures that the network is operating at all levels and from every perspective. Additionally, these gatherings serve as opportunities to build trust and camaraderie, share productive feedback, and ultimately drive better outcomes for all involved. When reviewing the assets and complementary expertise among network members, consider the following:
1. Recognize Each Contributor's Value
Just like bringing together family to make your holiday dinner, successful networks share responsibilities and celebrate the unique assets each stakeholder brings to the network. Recognizing the diverse assets and contributions of each network partner isn’t just nice to do—it’s motivating. When people feel appreciated, they’re more likely to go the extra mile for a project. Establishing a culture of gratitude helps recognize each other’s strengths and contributions. In turn, acknowledging each stakeholder’s skills and contributions not only fosters a positive atmosphere but also encourages stakeholders to stay engaged.
2. Reflect on the Areas for Improvement
Gathering the network to reflect on challenges and gaps in achieving the desired outcomes takes advantage of the collective and complementary assets of the network. By reviewing what’s been done, what worked, and what can be improved, network partners can strategize for an efficient and multifaceted approach for continuous improvement. These regular check-ins also build trust by allowing everyone to share their perspectives and feel heard. Additionally, celebrating small milestones along the way keeps spirits high by reminding everyone of the progress being made.
3. Revisiting Goals and Expectations
Just as family gatherings provide a time to reconnect, network gatherings give everyone a chance to ensure that goals and expectations are still aligned. Projects often evolve, and checking in as a group is crucial for staying on course. By making these adjustments together, stakeholders can realign their individual efforts with the collective goal, fostering a sense of shared purpose and direction.
4. Planning for Future Gatherings
During this season of thankfulness, remember that gratitude is an essential ingredient for strong, successful networks. When we take time to gather, reflect, and celebrate our efforts, we create a foundation of trust and collaboration that carries us through to project completion. So, as you plan your next project phase, consider how you can incorporate gratitude into your process—because a well-connected network is one that’s destined to succeed.
Happy Holidays, and here’s to building better projects together!
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