Social Network Webbing
Social Network Webbing helps a group visualize and understand the relationships within their network, identifying key influencers, potential roadblocks, and opportunities for strengthening connections to achieve a shared purpose. By mapping both existing and desired connections, teams can strategically improve collaboration and accelerate progress.
Use Social Network Webbing when you need to identify hidden resources and expertise within a team or organization, or when you want to foster a more connected and collaborative environment to tackle a complex challenge.
Solves: Siloed teams, lack of awareness of available expertise, inefficient communication, difficulty identifying key stakeholders.
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Step 1: Introduce the activity and explain the purpose of mapping the social network. (5 min)
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Step 2: Create a legend of key groups or functions relevant to the shared purpose, assigning each a unique color or symbol on Post-it notes. (5 min)
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Step 3: Each participant writes their name on a Post-it note and places it in the center of the designated wall or digital space. (5 min)
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Step 4: Participants brainstorm and create Post-it notes for individuals they know who are active in the work, arranging them based on their degree of separation from the core group. (10 min)
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Step 5: Participants brainstorm and create Post-it notes for individuals they would like to include in the work, adding them to the map as a web with a core and periphery structure. (10 min)
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Step 6: The group analyzes the map, identifying who knows whom, who has influence and expertise, and potential roadblocks or boosters, illustrating these connections with lines. (15 min)
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Step 7: The group devises strategies to invite new people, work around blockages, and boost progress. (10 min)
- Encourage participants to think broadly about who could contribute to the shared purpose.
- Limit the number of categories in the legend to avoid confusion.
- Focus on identifying specific individuals rather than general roles or titles.
- Use software to create a more detailed and interactive network map.
- Combine with other Liberating Structures, such as 15% Solutions or Design StoryBoards, to develop and implement action plans.