Better Communication in NetworksIn our 2019 Annual Network Survey, we found that network leaders consistently reported communication as their biggest obstacle. Maintaining communication between network members isn't easy. Rather, it's easy to stumble into miscommunication and resulting conflict, which keeps you from reaching your goals. [...]
Collaboration isn't easy - sometimes, a good quote can inspire us to keep working towards our common goals. Here are thirty quotes to inspire collaboration and teamwork that we've come across in our work. They're perfect for your next network gathering, training, publication or program! [...]
We are so pleased to welcome Keri Smith to our team as our Network Learning Manager! She is providing leadership to our Learning Lab programs, including our in-person trainings and conferences, online course and Webinar series. We asked her a few questions to get to [...]
This is the first follow-up to the introductory blog "Networks are the Answer...Right?" by VNL’s CEO, Dr. Danielle Varda, exploring the question of whether we have pushed the limits of collaborative networks, and how the risks might outweigh the benefits.She posed three big questions:What are [...]
Bias is pernicious: it creeps into all kinds of research, including surveys and social network analysis! The more bias you introduce into your survey, the less reliable and accurate your data will be. This is why it's important to check your survey for bias, at [...]
While most of us think networks are the answer, it's not always true. It's okay to get a little overwhelmed by how over-networked we have become: I certainly do. That might surprise you, given that I run an organization whose mission is to support collaborative [...]
Network maps are becoming more popular than ever, and it's not surprising at all. People are realizing more than ever how much social connections matter and influence outcomes. Network maps are an easy way to visualize your relationships, and begin analyzing a network of partners. [...]
Network Stuck? Get Unstuck with a Facilitator!One of the most important, yet overlooked roles in a network is that of a facilitator. A facilitator is a person that makes an action or process easier by keeping discussion and decision-making processes moving along. Making things easier [...]
Using data to enhance a network’s story highlights the impact of collaboration amongst community members sharing a common goal. Networks can use data to demonstrate to partners, stakeholders, and funders how the quality of their partnerships are progressing over time and why working together is [...]
This month we welcomed two new staffers to our Projects Team! This week we spoke with the second of our two new team members, Kyle Brees, our new Research Analyst! Click here to see last week's interview with our new Network Scientist, Dr. Amanda [...]
