Bridges To Knowledge: A Blog by Barry Camson

Value Propositions In Networks

We are learning that networks as a means of conducting business or creating social change cannot be treated like our traditional "bricks and mortar" organizations. This is true for both networks made up of individuals and those composed of member organizations. It is important to understand how networks differ from traditional organizations. This, in turn, leads us to changing the way we respond to networks in our efforts to help develop and improve them. Thinking of networks in terms of their value propositions can be very helpful in working effectively with networks.

"What's In A Name?" W. Shakespeare

For the last year, I have been endeavoring to identify the elements of a network, specifically an inter-organizational network. These are the components that networks often have that when pursued lead to important information about a network.

Leadership And Behavior In An Inter-Organizational Network

I have been thinking about leadership in an inter-organizational network. Specifically, I have been thinking about the valued role a leader can play in fostering engagement and in maintaining the boundaries in which engagement can occur. I like to call this "holding the container." Related to this is the role that the member of a network can play both in their role as a potential distributed leader as well as a person who collaborates with others.

"Back To The Future" - Collaboration In The 21st Century

I have been reading up on Cisco Systems and its CEO, John Chambers lately. This was prompted by references to Cisco's leadership in utilizing Web 2.0 tools at Cisco. What I have been learning about in addition is how Chambers is transforming the Cisco organization in the direction of what some have called Management 2.0 with very positive results.