Whilst away on holiday in Morocco in between a little food poisoning and camel riding, I managed to complete another book that has been on my ‘to read’ list for some time.
Seth Godin’s book – Tribes (http://amzn.to/cX9JpK) – is a worthwhile quick read. Although I didn’t find the content as valuable as Clay Shirky’s Here Comes Everybody (http://amzn.to/8ZyTXi), motivationally it was great as it really helped me verify some thoughts and ideas that have been lingering around for some time. The premise is about how groups of people come together all the time due to a common idea and how a drop in transaction costs to form groups or stay connected i.e. through the use of Social Media has facilitated these tasks meaning that the effort of management is not really there anymore.
Instead of ‘Management’, what is needed to give a particular “tribe” direction and guidance is leadership and it is this that I prefer to refer to when I think of my role within the Solution Exchange platform (as well as Jack of all trades – master of none). This in itself is relatively easy when the tribe is full of talented and gifted individuals and companies who innovate and lead everyday – no this is not some form of cringe worthy kissing ass. In this case, “leadership” tasks are merely listening tasks. This of course is a slight simplification but in the most part is true. Listening is the consumption of audible information. Observing the industry in which we all work is also a form of inward consumption and one where many input sources are used. Choosing to implement ideas within the Solution Exchange or simply facilitating the more meaningful discussion for our customers (sometimes one leading to the other) is very valuable and it is this that I shall continue to try and take the lead on.
So, given all this, what am I saying? Maybe a manifesto is required? – I would like to continue and encourage discussion with those in the community, which the Solution Exchange platform is attempting to unify and connect, in order to bring light on examples of how customers are using and can better use Open Text product. This in turn will help raise the profile of leaders within the community who are already doing great work and have done for years. I’ve already established some great connections with some colourfully talented people in the last few months and I’d like to start putting some of these people (and companies) on a pedestal. Lastly, and most importantly to me, I would like to continue to lead by example and listen to the community to hear how improvements can be made and better connect the right people to take part in these discussions. These conversations are so valuable as people inherently like to be listened to, especially when they see that someone has taken action as a result. In my opinion, some of this is already happening and will continue to happen more and more adding value to the community initiative.
One final question; what is your part in this? Simple – contribute, discuss, and engage – please feel free to reach out to me to discuss what you think is right or wrong.
Twitter: DannyBaggs
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Thanks for listening!
Danny Baggs
Community Leader
Danny Baggs' Blog 