possibility…

Cal Newport is a PhD student at MIT and author of two books: How to Become a Straight-A Student: The Unconventional Strategies Real College Students Use to Score High While Studying Less and How to Win at College: Surprising Secrets for Success from the Country’s Top Students.

He also has a fascinating blog called Study Hacks: Demystifying College Success which offers some interesting techniques for all of us who have to incorporate new information in our daily work or study. I was particularly intrigued by this one: “The Story Telling Method.”

Newport writes: “The Story Telling Method has an important benefit: it takes the large volume of information you just received and organizes it within a coherent framework.” Makes a lot of sense to me and is a strategy that I’ve used for years without really thinking about it. If you’re battling information overload like most of us, check out this post and the rest of his blog for some practical tips.

We’re in week #3 of Facilitating Online Communities and I’ve been pondering the similarities between online communities and ‘real communities.’

Communities are like sour dough bread–they need ’starter’
When my partner and I moved to our neighbourhood 15 years ago, our ’sour dough starter’ was a 9-week-old Boxer puppy and our garden. People need a way to open a conversation–a way to break the ice. In an online community, breaking the ice can be more difficult. Blogs are like puppies and gardens.

Doers and watchers/participants and lurkers
In any community, real or virtual, there will be doers and watchers or participants and lurkers. We’ve all been watchers and lurkers at some point … sometimes because we don’t have anything to add and sometimes because we are juggling other issues in life. It’s important to recognize that for any community to thrive, we all have a responsibility to take a turn as a doer/participant.

People come to a community for different reasons
Even though the focus of an online community may be specific, the reason people join may range from mild interest to a passion for the topic. Some folks have lived in my neighbourhood for their entire adult lives … and others are passing through while attending university.

We shouldn’t expect a community to give us everything we need
Different communities meet different needs. The benefit of online community is that we can find multiple communities to meet multiple needs.

Never underestimate the importance of your role in community building
Community building is dependent on community members. YOU are your community… just because you choose to lurk or to watch doesn’t mean that you are not part of/responsible for your community.

Expect disagreement … diversity is a good thing
Whenever people gather, there will be disagreement. How we deal with disagreement is key in any community and especially important in sustaining online community.

We can never really know the impact of our comments, support or information on another community member
I’m always amazed at the unanticipated effect we can have on those around us. Sometimes the simple act of listening or sharing a bit of information can make a profound difference to someone’s day.

Online communities wither quickly without participation
Online communities are like ‘community in a petri dish.’ The life cycle is shorter/faster. Because we can’t see each other, online participation is essential to community survival. Participating can be simple–like short comments or observations via the discussion forum or listserv. You could think of these as ‘bus stop conversations’ with neighbours. Comments on a blog posting might be considered an ‘over the fence garden chat.’ An offer to stop by on Saturday afternoon to help a neighbour paint their porch might be a post with numerous references to relevant resources or sharing a relevant personal experience. In the online world, no participation = no community.

Online communities are another way for humans to connect–but the rules of community-building apply and are perhaps even more important because we can’t rely on visual cues. The role of facilitator is critical in encouraging an environment where lurkers feel comfortable becoming participants.

Whether you’re negotiating dinner options with your partner or pitching a new idea at work, persuasion is an extremely valuable tool. Robert Cialdini, Regents’ Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University wrote about a commonly underutilized technique in The Language of Persuasion, a Harvard Management Update.

Cialdini describes the work of research psychologists in Texas who studied communication patterns of dating couples. Participating couples were asked to discuss an issue of contention where one person was trying to change the opinion or actions of the other.

The researchers observed three techniques:

1. the “coercive approach” which promised negative consequences for failing to agree
2. the “rational approach” which attempted to reason with the person to see the logical way to proceed and
3. the “relationship-raising approach” which Cialdini describes as a “breathtakingly simple and successful procedure.”

Techniques 1 and 2 were largely unsuccessful persuasion tactics, with the coercive approach actually increasing the gap between negotiators. Option 3, the relationship-raising approach moved partners significantly closer in their positions. When the persuader emphasizes the relationship by saying “You know, we’ve been together for a long time,” or “We see things from a similar perspective,” the other person is reminded of their common ground. Focusing on the personal connection makes the relationship the reason for change, not the persuader.

Cialdini continues by citing studies showing that seeking and discussing commonalities leads to stronger persuasive powers in the business world as well. This powerful approach to influencing others is neglected in favour of habitually focusing on our differences rather than our similarities.

The next time your story requires the art of persuasion, seek common ground… and let me know how it turns out.

“As our ancestors evolved to live in groups, the hypothesis goes, they had to make sense of increasingly complex social relationships. Living in a community requires keeping tabs on who the group members are and what they are doing. What better way to spread such information than through storytelling?”

[From “The Secrets of Storytelling: Why We Love a Good Yarn” by Jeremy Hsu Mind & Brain (September 2008)]

I came across this article late last week while folks in our Facilitating Online Communities (FOC08) class discussed the mixing (crashing?) of technology and community. Hsu’s comment about increasingly complex social relationships and the need to keep tabs on community members felt apropos. In the modern world where we have truck-loads of tools to achieve the “keeping tabs” aspects of community, it’s easy to get caught up in the toys and forget the ultimate goal. I love that this course provides an opportunity to create a new community and to explore a truck-load of tools. I think that in a week or two, once we’ve all become more familiar with the assorted tools, the real glue of community–storytelling–will go to work. It’s going to be a fun few months!

In my description of this blog as a place where “story and information intersect,” I mentioned that one common definition of information is “knowledge gained through study, communication, research, instruction, etc.” Well, I’m about to add a large dollop of information to my story with an online course entitled Facilitating Online Communities (FOC).

As always when we consciously work on our “personal story,” I’m feeling a wonderful sense of anticipation mixed with anxiety. While I’ve always been keenly interested in technology, learning, and community, I confess that the information highway has been roaring past at an unmanageable pace. However, I’m looking forward to learning what I can, meeting a terrifically diverse group of classmates from around the world, and reflecting on the experience … while updating my blog. Stay tuned as information and story collide right here before your eyes. Here we go….

Long-term employees, regardless of their job title, become “walking encyclopedias” of organizational information, job tips, short-cuts, political/personal hot potatoes to avoid, historical alliances, technology trial and error, and understanding of how and why things are as they are. When these workers leave an organization, a critical piece of history leaves with them. Losing tacit knowledge with retirees and others moving on to new positions has always been a concern but with the imminent wave of baby boomer retirements, it’s a potential crisis for some organizations.

I’m writing an in-depth article about the use of “story” in capturing knowledge from employees before they move on. If you’ve ever tried to write a “manual” to leave behind when you move to a new position, you are very familiar with the challenges of imparting ALL of what you know. Some say that knowledge is “social”… that we need to have conversations with others in order for it to come to the surface or to be transferred. We’ve all experienced the realization that we know much more that we thought we knew–that we can articulate knowledge in conversation that we could not have produced without the discussion.

While “story” may be an element of mentoring, coaching, and other approaches to knowledge exchange, I’m specifically interested in story as the primary technique. It may be used within a community of practice model, brown-bag lunch sessions, or exit interviews … or possibly many other scenarios. These are the types of situations I’m interested in hearing about.

A parallel interest is that features of organizational culture that encourage development and transfer of tacit knowledge (space and opportunity for conversation, valuing interpersonal communication and sharing of experiences, appreciation for individual experience and exploration) are also features that nurture creativity in the workplace. Is there recognition or acknowledgement of such a link within organizations nurturing tacit knowledge exchange? Is creativity recognized as a valuable by-product of “story as a tool for knowledge exchange”–or vice versa?

I’d be very interested in hearing from you if you have experience with this topic (on either side–as a leaving employee or as a facilitator) or if you know of organizations utilizing story for knowledge strategies with employees who are leaving.

Please contact me by email at shelley AT shourstonandassociates DOT com. Thanks for your help!

I’ve been reading about story today, specifically Kathy Hansen’s blog, A Storied Career, an absolute treasure trove of information about story and the role of story in our lives and careers. One of the charms of this topic for me is that I find it impossible to read about story and not constantly apply the ideas and observations to my own “story.” Today I felt particularly drawn to the question of how we develop our individual stories in the face of inertia (which for me is usually related to feeling overloaded or overwhelmed, feeling tired–in need of a break, or possibly facing too many choices–difficulty making decisions. And really, in today’s world, it’s difficult to NOT feel tired, overwhelmed and challenged by too many choices from time to time. As I thought about various crossroads in the story process, I began to think about a book/movie analogy.

Think of our life story as a book that we “write on the fly.” Every morning we get up and rattle off a few pages … maybe even a chapter some days. Then there are days when we feel tired or we struggle to make decisions about what to write because there are just too many options, or maybe we lack confidence to write “bigger”stories. Some days we write pages of our book in the way that other people think we should. We match the expectations of others. Too often we write pages with activities and events that match our own lowest expectations of ourselves. We are too afraid to dream and then to live into our dreams.

I was contemplating how we can “write” our life story today and tomorrow in a way that reflects our true nature, capabilities, and dreams. Then I began to think… wouldn’t it be interesting to think of our life story as a partially completed book that has gone missing from the library shelf. Or maybe you lent it to a friend and they dropped in the bath and tossed it. It’s a work in progress but the history–the history that we think the world judges us by… baggage that holds us back–is gone. All that remains is the movie version that we live one day at a time. The world sees only the day-to-day action without having expectations based on say … chapter two or five.

We know our experiences, history, dreams, and hopes. We know the events that made us strong and knowledgeable. We know the challenges that we survived and that have made us resilient. We don’t need to replay the unrealistic expectations from people in chapter one. They don’t have to play a leading role in chapter eight–or in today’s movie. Depending on the situation, this analogy has its limitations of course. Many of the experiences in our life story feel as though they are indelibly etched in our spirit. I think that the benefit of thinking about our lives in these terms is the reminder that we DO have choices, much of life is not written in stone. By drawing on parts of our story, we can reinforce our strength, courage, and commitment in order to create a “future story” that reflects who we are.

In my opinion, the benefit of the life story/movie analogy is recognizing the positives from our previous experience, combining them with the the important people and experiences of today, and recognizing our ability to shape our future. Our story gives us power.

What are you doing in 10 minutes? I’d ask what you’re doing right this minute, but I know that you’re reading my blog posting. What will you do with the rest of your day? Tomorrow? Why do I ask? Because most of us sail along from moment to moment, day to day, without being aware of a purpose or focus for the hours as they whiz by. Most of us have goals for our lives, our career, or for the year perhaps, but how often are you aware of the moment?

These thoughts are on my mind because we’re beginning a new month in a new year. I’m also thinking about my goals and living my values because of the FutureStory 2008 project. Participants have been sharing their New Year’s resolution “word” and we’ve been discussing the challenges associated with “living in the moment” in a world that bombards us with information, responsibilities, and demands faster than we can blink. Sometimes, the challenge is simply “how to choose” when we have so many options. And too often we “choose” one more thing to do, commit to, engage in–when what we really need is time to think, reflect, and plan.

For many of us, our work–our career–consumes most of our time and energy. When we’re just beginning, we gladly focus on the job. As time passes and we become seasoned and competent in our field, we can relax our focus and spend more time enjoying other aspects of our lives. At least, that’s what many of us hope.

“The experts” say that we will experience between three and five major career changes in our lifetime. Some suggest between three and eleven! The point is, just when we think we’ve “got it,” and can ease up on the intensity of our work focus, it’s time to change lanes. If you’re in mid-life and experiencing either a self-initiated or an imposed career change, it can feel as if the world is crumbling around you!

“Living in the moment” can’t protect you from the upheaval of career change. But it can help you recognize and enjoy the things that bring you pleasure and contentment. The ability to filter the incessant white noise of today’s world and to appreciate the beauty of “now” may ironically be a catalyst for your career change. Whatever your career path, our lives are made of a stream “moments” and recognizing and pursuing the most rewarding way to “live in them” is, in my experience, far more satisfying that “living for the future.”

If you are anticipating or are in the midst of mid-life career change and are willing to share your story, please contact me. I am developing a profile of survival tips and techniques and would love to hear about your experience.

Interested in accomplishing a specific goal in 2008 and developing an anthology of stories of your success?

As I was walking my dogs this morning I was contemplating the new year and the notion of New Year’s resolutions. I usually don’t “do” resolutions… having experienced too many years of not quite achieving my goal. But it occurred to me that I might like to try a “word” for 2008. I’ve heard that one of the tricks for achieving your resolution is to have just one. After thinking a bit longer, I decided that my word would be “courage.” At the end of each year, I feel like I could have achieved more if I’d had more courage–less fear of failing or of appearing foolish in the eyes of my peers.

A bit further along the dog walk, it occurred to me that other people might do New Year’s “words” (or “phrases”) too. Wouldn’t it be interesting to share ideas for implementing our “words?” People would commit to sharing their successful “word” experience at least once each week and hopefully more often. As they say in Appreciative Inquiry, the thing you focus on is the thing that grows. It’s true.

The FutureStory 2008 group would share ideas and stories … and, in fact, by collecting insights, achievements and surprises that unfold while focusing on our word/phrase over the next year, each of us could compile an anthology of stories relating to our “word of the year.” Our “word” would become a part of our lives in a way that it might not without such focus.

So … are you interested in choosing a “word” (or a phrase) and through mutual support and focused attention, making it one of your strengths by the end of 2008? If you’re interested in participating, email me at shelley[at]shourstonandassociates.com and I’ll send you instructions for signing up. I’ll set up an online community to facilitate discussion among people with the same “word” as well as the group at large. I’m also thinking that it would be interesting to have “success mentors”–people who have achieved success in some area of their life–to join us periodically to share their secrets for achieving their goals.

The cost? It’s free! [And it’s an experiment.]

Let me know soon as I will probably have to close the group at a certain size. And please forward this invitation to people you think would be interested. I’m looking forward to hearing about how your New Year’s “word” appears in your daily life once you (and your FutureStory team) focus on it.

Happy New Year!

Watch this very short video to see the power of story at work. We all really do have the ability to make a difference in our own way.

This video is called Simple Truths of Service Inspired by Johnny the Bagger by Ken Blanchard and Barbara Glanz and is one of a series of wonderful short and inspiring films.

Thank you Robert Middleton (Action Plan Marketing) for sharing this story with me.