Connectors

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About two years ago I wrote about how DE’s benefit from networks. Networks help reformers meet other people, who may share the same goals and can contribute unique resources to achieve a desired reform.

I belong to a network of GIS users.  One of the mentors on this group, Paul Lundberg, introduced me to Maning Sambale.  Maning educated me about OpenStreetMap Philippines, and introduced me to Erwin Olario.  Maning and Erwin taught Provincial Government partners, in one of our reforms, to tap volunteers in mapping local roads.

Anybody can be a connector because, like Paul, we all belong to several groups.  Aside from our associates at work, we also have groups of friends, maybe a sports team, a civic or Church-based organisation.  

When we introduce a colleague from one group to friends from another group, we function as connectors.  Like when I invite friends from work to breakfast with BCBP on Saturday morning.

To get our colleagues to connect us to other networks, we need to know what other groups they belong to.  You might have somebody on your team who is a close relative of a decision-maker, whose support you need for your reform.  Or may be going to the same martial arts class as the Executive Assistant of another Key Actor. 

So, two immediate things to improve your ability to connect:

  1. Make an inventory of all the groups that you belong to;
  2. Get to know the people in your groups better.  Find out what other networks they belong to. Ask to be introduced to the ones that you think will be relevant to your reform.

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