Role Call!
September 14th, 2009
So, we have defined a Community of Practice and looked at some of the features…now we will have a look at some of the roles within a CoP. I’ll break it down into three posts – Leaders, Staff and Tools, because there is a lot of information here.
Part 1 - Leaders…
Role for Executive Leaders
Executive Leadership supports and models the development of both informal and formal networks within the organization that will transcend the organization chart. This means that a Vice President may get a direct question from a Supervisor within a CoP in which they are both members. The best work doesn’t get done within the formal structures; the best learning doesn’t either.
If you want to positive change in your organizations culture, CoP is a powerful tool. However, CoP is not a panacea; the culture that the executive demonstrates is the one that will be followed. Make cultural celebration and change a primary Community of Practice (one cannot have the change without the celebration; everything is as it should be; nothing is as it will be).
Role for Leaders
Leadership supports and models the use of, and should develop their own, CoP. In addition, Leaders must gain proficiency at bringing focus to CoP discussions, providing the appropriate level of formality taking into account both the members and the mandate of the group. There are many ‘right’ ways to do things and the effective leader will know how to point out the many ‘right’ ways but still be willing to establish the preferred way that is in current use. This will have an impact on the more seasoned workers who need to know that certain perspectives that are out of date are not wrong.
Role for Change Leaders
Change Leaders can assist the CoP development by bringing all their lessons learned about Change Management within the organization. They assist in the design of the best implementation path to maximize engagement. Although their role is usually temporary, their impact is permanent as a well-built CoP takes into account the human elements of change management. Change Leaders also watch for and engage CoPs that develop naturally.
Next: Staff Roles
