While schools and universities are different from companies, yet people are at work. As such, they encounter similar challenges to those that we see within companies, such as inefficiency, lack of ownership, people working in silos, or facing tensions with diversity. Through community building, such problems are being addressed in an effective and sustainable way. Community building awakens agency within people to become the driving force of organisational development, thus becoming a true learning organisation.
How does an organisation transform into a community?
It may sound overwhelming, or even impossible. It takes time to achieve great things. It is a process of many small and parallel steps taken by sincere individuals who dare to break the status quo, are focused on positive change, are taking action, and are learning from experience.
The process starts with just one person taking one small step. Gradually, a few others are interested in finding new ways of working together. Through conversations and small actions, a core group is gradually formed that is creating a new way of thinking. Over time, other small groups emerge in the organisation and, together, they become part of a movement of positive change.
A community starts to emerge when processes and structures in the organisation start to actively reinforce trust, collaboration, mutual support and unity at all levels.
The process starts with just one person taking one small step. Gradually, a few others are interested in finding new ways of working together. Through conversations and small actions, a core group is gradually formed that is creating a new way of thinking. Over time, other small groups emerge in the organisation and, together, they become part of a movement of positive change.
A community starts to emerge when processes and structures in the organisation start to actively reinforce trust, collaboration, mutual support and unity at all levels.
