Impact Networks: Create Connection, Spark Collaboration, and Catalyze Systemic Change

235 Pages·2021·3.981 MB·English

by  David Ehrlichman

impact
networks

Impact Networks
Copyright © 2021 by David Ehrlichman
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including
photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without
the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief
quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial
uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the
publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address
below.
Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.
1333 Broadway, Suite 1000
Oakland, CA 94612-1921
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]
www.bkconnection.com
Ordering information for print editions
Quantity sales. Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by
corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the “Special Sales
Department” at the Berrett-Koehler address above.
Individual sales. Berrett-Koehler publications are available through most
bookstores. They can also be ordered directly from Berrett-Koehler: Tel:
[phone]; Fax: [phone]; www.bkconnection.com
Orders for college textbook/course adoption use. Please contact Berrett-
Koehler: Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone].
Distributed to the U.S. trade and internationally by Penguin Random House
Publisher Services.
Berrett-Koehler and the BK logo are registered trademarks of Berrett-
Koehler Publishers, Inc.
First Edition
Paperback print edition ISBN 978-1-5230-9168-3
PDF e-book ISBN 978-1-5230-9169-0
IDPF e-book ISBN 978-1-5230-9170-6
Digital audio ISBN 978-1-5230-9171-3
2021-1
Book production: Linda Jupiter Productions. Text design: Kim Scott, Bumpy
Design. Cover design: Adrian Morgan. Edit: Elissa Rabellino. Proofread:
Mary Kanable. Index: Lieser Indexing.
To Nabetse, who has taught me the true meaning of connection;
to my family, who have shown me the power of trust;
and to changemakers everywhere, who have inspired me
with their commitment to purpose.
Created in Community
This book was developed in collaboration with my colleagues in Converge
—a network of systems strategists, designers, facilitators, educators, and
evaluators who partner with people, organizations, and networks to co-create
positive impact. I am endlessly grateful for their contributions and support.
Visit converge.net to learn more about Converge and to access a library of
free tools and facilitation guides associated with this book.
Contents
Preface
Introduction
Part One: Working through Networks
CHAPTER 1: The Web of Change
Networks for Impact
Relationships: The Heart of Networks
CHAPTER 2: The Network Mindset
The Hierarchical Mindset
Networks and Hierarchies, Together
Making the Mindset Shift
CHAPTER 3: Making Networks Work
Primary Forms of Impact Networks
Core Activities of Impact Networks
CHAPTER 4: Network Leadership
Network Leadership Roles
Principles of Network Leadership
Part Two: Cultivating Impact Networks
CHAPTER 5: Clarify Purpose and Principles
Catalyzing a New Network
Finding Common Purpose
Defining Shared Principles
CHAPTER 6: Convene the People
Inviting Co-creation
Designing Meaningful Gatherings
Facilitating Emergent Outcomes
CHAPTER 7: Cultivate Trust
Weaving Connections
Deepening Trust
Holding Courageous Conversations
CHAPTER 8: Coordinate Actions
Accelerating Flows
Practicing Reciprocity
Responding to Crisis
CHAPTER 9: Collaborate for Systems Change
Making Sense of the System
Creating Transformation
Planting Sequoias
CHAPTER 10: The Enabling Infrastructure
Organizing into Teams
Bounding Participation
Making Collective Decisions
Embedding Evaluation
Resourcing Networks
Conclusion
Notes
Glossary
Selected Bibliography
Acknowledgments
Index
About the Author
About Converge