Social is a way of being
May 26th, 2010
Associations do not become social simply by deploying social technologies. Social is a strategic mindset that values imagination and innovation at the edge of the organization at least as much as (if not more than) any activity taking place at the core. Social is an inclusive orientation to value creation that welcomes all forms of generative contribution from a variety of contributors. Social is an interface with the world, an intentional way of connecting with and activating distributed networks through common purpose and shared passion.
In short, social is a way of being for the 21st century association, one that will not be achieved simply by creating a Twitter account, Facebook page or LinkedIn group. Using these public social platforms consistently well can help build effective new social practices, but creating a deep and enduring social capacity requires a willingness to radically reinvent the meaning of relationships associations have with their current and future stakeholders. Below are three questions leaders can ask to facilitate this learning (and unlearning) process:
+How can we make everything we do more social?–Being social transforms every static offer into a dynamic invitation.
+How can we support value creation from the outside in?–Being social unleashes collaboration and co-creation at intersections with the future.
+How can we engage our stakeholders in the work of stewardship?–Being social values trust and reciprocity as paramount resources in creating organizations that can thrive.
In a time of great turbulence for all industries, professions and fields, social is a way of being makes clear what it really means to be a 21st century association. The key question for both staff and voluntary leaders in associations is whether they are ready to fully embrace a new way of thinking about their work that will help their organizations–and our community–realize their full potential over the next decade and beyond. Are you?
The first-ever P.I. Business Model Innovation Workshop is coming this September 28 & 29, 2010! To learn more or to register, please visit the event site!
Entry Filed under: Principled Innovation Blog, Announcements, What's New?, Social Media, Innovation, Associations, Extreme Makeover, The Association Innovator, Simplicity, We Have Always Done It That Way, PI Services, PI Events, Garage Memes, Governing for Innovation, Embrace the Revolution, Business Model Innovation
Ben Martin and P.I.
Association exec Ben Martin, CAE is P.I.’s Architect of Participation. Jeff and Ben help clients harness the power of the Web through the strategic application of social tools.
New P.I. workshop
You may now register for The P.I. Business Model Innovation Workshop, which will take place on September 28-29, 2010, in Arlington, Virginia.
