Discussion

At Microsoft, a transformation in leadership principles marked a significant shift from complexity to simplicity. When Joe Whittinghill took the helm as Microsoft's general manager for talent, learning, and insight, he was faced with an exhaustive leadership model. It included eight key competencies, 10 behaviors for inclusive diversity, five employee development pillars, and over a hundred skills based on one's role. However, these principles were far from memorable or practical. In a move to revitalize Microsoft’s culture, Whittinghill, CEO Satya Nadella, and chief people officer Kathleen Hogan, in collaboration with the NeuroLeadership Institute, undertook the cha…

Acts of courage, from defending ethical principles to advocating for sustainable practices, happen every day in online communities. Yet, what drives such bold actions? Contrary to the traditional image of spontaneous heroism, courage is often the result of deliberate risk-taking, honed through years of experience and thoughtful decision-making. Understanding Business Courage Courage in business settings usually involves a strategic approach. It's a skill developed over time, emerging from a series of calculated decisions rather than impulsive acts that blend together conscience, action, and deep-seated values like honor and duty. The Process of Calculated…

Traditional dialogues and meetings often suffer from an imbalance of power. Subordinates, aware of their superior’s authority to reward or punish, may withhold candid opinions, stifling creativity and initiative. This post explores a transformative approach to meetings, encouraging managers to adopt a collaborative style, boosting engagement and idea exchange. The Challenge of Traditional Meetings Typically, meetings in a business context, especially those involving superiors and subordinates, are riddled with hidden agendas and a lack of candor. This results in frustration, boredom, and a low level of accomplishment. The root cause? A constant, unspoken reminde…

The role of leadership is paramount. Community managers, moderators, and administrators serve as the guiding force behind these digital spaces. While it's essential for these leaders to maintain order and enforce community guidelines, adopting a grumpy or abusive demeanor can have detrimental effects on the community's dynamics and its members. This article delves into the importance of positive leadership within online communities and its far-reaching impact. The Grumpy Manager Syndrome In the realm of online community management, the role of a manager or moderator often mirrors that of a traditional manager in a business setting. Managers are responsible for m…

One of the most common misconceptions is that merely assigning tasks ensures their completion. The truth is, especially in complex and lengthy projects, the magic lies in the follow-up. It's not just about assigning or explaining tasks; it's about ensuring they're actually carried out. Embracing Follow-Up as a Necessity The first step in effective project management is accepting that follow-up is not just beneficial but essential. It’s easy to fall into the mindset that team members should complete tasks independently without reminders. However, reality dictates that tasks with accountability are prioritized, while those without often fall by the wayside. Recogn…

Ronja was a senior sales manager at a rapidly growing SaaS company. Her transition from direct sales to sales enablement brought new challenges, requiring more sophisticated technology and a bigger team. Despite her technical acumen, Ronja found herself struggling with a crucial aspect of leadership: negotiating for resources. The Dilemma of Resource Negotiation Ronja's situation is common in the online community management space. Managers, despite being proficient in their domains, often feel ill-equipped when it comes to "influencing up" or persuading higher-ups for additional resources. The dilemma lies in balancing the need for resources with the desire to m…

In the world of online community management, purpose is the compass that guides every action. It's not just a buzzword; it's the driving force that keeps the community thriving. But defining and living that purpose can be a real challenge. Many online communities struggle to create purpose statements that truly resonate with their members and reflect their unique value. So, how can online community managers harness the power of purpose to motivate their members and ensure their community thrives? Crafting a Purpose Statement A purpose statement for an online community is more than just words; it's a call to action. It should not only inspire your members but als…

In today's digital age, information is abundant, and communication flows at the speed of light. But for many online community managers, this constant stream of information can become overwhelming, leading to decreased productivity and engagement among community members. Let's explore how the principles of managing information overload in the corporate world can be applied to the realm of online community management. The Overload Dilemma Gartner's recent survey revealed that 38% of employees in organizations feel bombarded by excessive communications, with 27% experiencing information overload. This overload can have tangible costs, including reduced understandin…

Effective communication is paramount in online communities. However, the way we communicate isn't solely about the words we choose—it's also about our linguistic style. Linguistic style plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions and interactions within online communities. Let's delve into how understanding linguistic style can help community managers foster gender inclusivity and effective communication. Decoding Linguistic Styles Linguistic style, often a product of our upbringing and social interactions, influences how we communicate. It encompasses elements such as directness, pacing, word choice, and the use of various linguistic elements like jokes, figure…

Online communities are bustling hubs of communication where individuals come together to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and build a collective identity. While these virtual gatherings may not have the face-to-face charm of traditional meetings, they fulfill a deep human need for social interaction. Let's explore the significance of proper discussions within online communities and how to navigate their intricacies effectively. The Power of the "Social Mind" Ethologists coined the term "social mind" to describe the capacity of a group to share knowledge, experiences, and ideas. In online communities, discussions leverage this collective wisdom. When combined, th…

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the creation and management of online communities and forums are at the forefront of communication and collaboration. To foster truly inclusive and innovative online spaces, we can draw inspiration from the principles of neurodiversity in the workplace. As we navigate the virtual realm, understanding the value of different thinking styles can be the key to unlocking the full potential of our online communities. Embracing Diverse Thinking Styles Online communities benefit from recognizing and embracing diverse thinking styles. One often overlooked aspect of diversity is the neurodiversity spectrum, which encompasses …

Online communities and companies face complex tasks that necessitate assembling large, diverse teams of specialists. These teams, often formed rapidly to address urgent needs, work virtually, spanning different locations and time zones. This setup, essential for tackling sophisticated projects, paradoxically also presents significant challenges to effective collaboration. The Paradox of Modern Teams Take the case of the BBC covering global events or Marriott developing new IT systems; these tasks require assembling large teams with varied expertise. However, research shows that the very characteristics that make these teams suitable for complex tasks — their siz…

As we step into 2024, online communities continue to navigate a sea of transformation. This wave of change is not just confined to traditional business settings but also significantly impacts online communities. The relentless push towards digitalization, coupled with challenges like inflation, talent shortages, and supply-chain issues, has created an environment where adaptation is not just beneficial but necessary. However, a notable transformation deficit is emerging, marked by a gap between the necessary changes and employee willingness to embrace them. The Challenge of Fast-Paced Change In 2022, employees underwent an average of 10 planned enterprise changes, a …

The landscape of work has undergone profound changes recently, and 2023 is no exception. The challenges of an unpredictable environment, higher employee turnover, and burnout have pushed businesses to rethink their strategies. This shift is particularly significant for online communities, where the nature of work and employee engagement is inherently different. Here’s a condensed overview of the nine critical workplace predictions for 2023, based on Gartner's HR research, that are especially relevant for leaders and participants in online communities. Embracing 'Quiet Hiring': After the trend of 'quiet quitting', 2023 will see organizations quietly hire in-demand …

The role of a community manager is undergoing a significant transformation. Gone are the days when community managers were merely moderators or administrators. Today, they are increasingly adopting the role of a coach, a change that is both necessary and beneficial for the thriving online community ecosystems. Embracing Different Coaching Styles A community manager, much like a coach, needs to adapt their style to suit the needs of their community. There are several coaching styles that a community manager can adopt: Democratic Coaching: This involves seeking consensus and encouraging participation from all members. It's about giving a voice to members a…

Online community management is a delicate balance of trust, performance, and communication. Dynamics between administrators and community members can sometimes lead to a phenomenon known as the "set-up-to-fail syndrome." This syndrome, often associated with traditional workplaces, can have parallels in online communities. Let's explore how community leaders can navigate these challenges to foster success. Understanding the Set-Up-to-Fail Syndrome The set-up-to-fail syndrome begins subtly, with administrators having reservations about certain community members' contributions. These concerns may lead to actions that unintentionally hinder members' engagement. For …

For online discussions, the art of asking the right questions is pivotal. The goal is not just to elicit responses but to foster deep engagement and thoughtful dialogue. Understanding human psychology and behavior can immensely aid in formulating questions that resonate with your audience. Here is a look at five effective ways to write questions that are bound to engage, backed by principles of psychology. 1. Leverage Open-Ended Questions Psychological Principle: Need for Autonomy and Self-Expression Open-ended questions are a gateway to self-expression. Unlike yes/no questions, they allow for elaboration, tapping into people’s intrinsic need for autonomy a…

Creating engaging, informative, and sometimes controversial questions involves understanding various principles of psychology and human behavior. Here are 12 unique ways to write such questions, each linked to a relevant psychological principle: Open-Ended Questions: Encourage elaboration by asking open-ended questions. This taps into the human desire for self-expression and storytelling (Narrative Psychology). Provocative Questions: Pose questions that challenge common beliefs or norms. This engages the principle of cognitive dissonance, where conflicting beliefs lead to a strong engagement in the topic. Emotionally Charged Questions: Ask questions th…

Effective questioning is a powerful tool for fostering engagement, learning, and innovation. Just as in the corporate world, administrators and moderators of digital communities must leverage the art of asking questions to create vibrant and interactive spaces. In this article, we explore how questioning can unlock value in online communities, enhance communication, and build a sense of belonging among members. The Power of Questions in Online Communities Questions are the catalysts of learning, idea exchange, and innovation in digital communities. Much like in traditional organizational settings, effective questioning can drive growth, mitigate risks, and build…

Managing online communities and forums can be a relentless endeavor, often leaving Community Leaders feeling exhausted and dissatisfied. However, just as individuals in the corporate world can benefit from energy renewal programs, those steering online communities can harness the principles of well-being and positive energy to create vibrant and thriving digital spaces. In this article, we explore how online community administrators can infuse new life into their virtual forums. The Wellsprings of Online Community Energy Online communities derive their energy from multiple sources, much like human beings. These wellsprings include the body, emotions, mind, and s…

A Chief of Staff is a senior position in organizations, typically reporting directly to the CEO or another high-ranking executive. The role and responsibilities can vary significantly depending on the organization, but generally, a Chief of Staff serves as a senior advisor and right-hand person to the community executive they support. Here are some key aspects of the role: Strategic Advisor: The Chief of Staff often acts as a confidante and advisor to the executive, providing strategic counsel on a wide range of issues. They help in decision-making processes, offering insights and perspectives that the executive might not have considered. Operational Efficiency:…

Online communities and forums have become integral parts of our digital lives. They offer platforms for like-minded individuals to connect, share ideas, and discuss various topics. However, where there are people, there are bound to be conflicts. Managing these conflicts effectively is crucial for maintaining a positive and productive online environment. In this article, we'll explore the art of conflict resolution in the context of online communities and forums. Understanding the Landscape Online communities are diverse, spanning various interests, beliefs, and cultures. This diversity is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it enriches discussions by bringing di…

There are plenty of forum choices. There are plenty of discussion platforms. There are only a few community software choices (and calling yourself a community platform when you're nothing more than forums + gallery doesn't really count). When I evaluate the landscape of software, especially in context of legacy forum software, most of them created software that was driven by users: albums, files, blogs. This worked 10 - 15 years ago. Nowadays, social platforms have absorbed these user-centric groups and offer user albums, user blogs, user clubs. Independent community platforms shouldn't compete with social platforms, because social platforms are extremely…

Before this sets off alarm bells for anyone (!), I don't plan on switching software. This was a question asked by a user on another community: "should I switch software?" The four or five answers provided by other members were all more or less the same: get feedback from members. This is one of the worst answers that could be given. Most importantly, it reflects a disappointing lack of insight and depth by legacy forum admins who continue to over-rely on member feedback because they have no strategy or vision to independently drive their tactics and objectives. When the default answer is to listen to members as the first and primary directive, you're su…

Christmas sales is here and all our files are discounted by 15%! Discounts are valid until December 25th! IMPORTANT In the file view, remember to click on BUY WITH COUPON when you're purchasing: Use the coupon code: XJ3BK76Z Visit the Marketplace Don't be left out!