You’re Not the Boss of Me! 5 Secrets of Leading Networks Without Authority

Sometimes network structures are mistaken for associations or federations. Some shrug off the confusion, “What’s the difference...and who cares!” they might say. Isn’t “network” just another word for “organization”? Networks are hugely different from traditional organizations and the differences are enormously important to how well and powerfully we can work with others to accelerate and magnify important work. In my experience there are 5 “secrets” for how to enjoy a network experience and optimize the power of a great network while also taking pleasure in nobody “being the boss of me.”

Leadership, Trust, Co-CreationStephanie ClohesyOctober 21, 2021networks, leadershipComment

Question Your Default Settings

After periods of disruption organizations are ready to question their default settings in order to align their values with their actions. Learn how you can question those autopilot activities to better your mission.

Equity, LeadershipStacy Van GorpOctober 4, 2021Default Settings, Disruption, EquityComment

Virtual Onboarding Made Easy

As a fully remote employee and as the newest member of the SWIM team, I have experienced virtual interviews, onboarding and the strange feeling of starting a job without ever having stepped foot in the office or shaking my bosses hand. In March of 2020, companies were forced to adapt and for the last year and a half millions of people have gone through virtual orientations and onboarding sessions. As we all continue to adjust to new realities and as the workforce experiences a great resignation, now is the time for your organization to evaluate and improve your virtual onboarding.

Trust, Leadership, MeetingsMeghan WaltersAugust 25, 2021Remote Work, Culture, Onboarding, OrientationComment

Five common pitfalls of ‘Helping Hubs’

National and state nonprofits and associations strive to serve their members. Yet we see many of our ‘helping hub’ clients struggle with common concerns. Here’s how our approach can help shift organizational cultures and meet the true needs of their networks.

LeadershipStacy Van GorpMay 20, 2021networks, associations, membership organizationsComment

The Inadequacy of Social Sector Problem-Solving

Thanks to a recent client I’ve spent a couple of months reading and thinking about a slim 2020 publication: “The Flat Org Chart” by Dan Pallotta. I have found this publication to be fascinating and provocative and it turns upside-down the social sector’s assumptions about “doing good” and achieving equity!

Co-Creation, Equity, Leadership, TrustStacy Van GorpMarch 30, 2021Comment

"With Me, Not to Me" - A Map to Better Partnerships

It is revealing that in every network assessment we have completed at See What I Mean, we hear the same sentiment from members - with me, not to me. In other words, be my partner not my boss. However, it shouldn’t be all that surprising.

Trust, Leadership, Co-CreationStacy Van GorpFebruary 25, 2021Comment

Earn trust in 2021. Do this. Not that.

Headline after headline of 2020 focuses on the collapse of trust - in elections, in news, in healthcare, in data, in experts, and in one another. It’s heartbreaking. It’s also a cause for change. Over the last 10 years we’ve been researching trust and helping people put it into action.

Trust, LeadershipStacy Van GorpFebruary 4, 2021trustComment