While working at the World Bank as a Knowledge
Analyst I witnessed a significant change in how knowledge was
amassed and applied for greatest impact. Previously, the emphasis
had been on certain individuals, those remarkable people recognized
for their exceptional experience and acumen. However, aided by
collaborative technology, communities of professionals brought
their collective know-how to bear on difficult issues and they
achieved extraordinary results. We called these communities, Thematic
Groups.
This happened not only inside the organization, but also across the
planet. The boundaries of community went beyond the borders of our
organization.
What the World Bank had to offer was not only the knowledge of our
staff (content), but the
ability to convene those
who were most knowledgeable anywhere around the world in a
powerfully meaningful context.
For dealing with the most complex problems, stakeholders from every
critical point in the system must be engaged. Solutions, the good
ones, are multi-dimensional. Therefore, we must bring together the
most valuable players, helping them to work collaboratively - i.e.,
lend their enthusiastic engagement - using a framework that
embraces their differing needs and unique perspectives. This is
what the power to convene and setting the right context is all
about.
Driving Growth in a Sluggish Economy - next in my executive
series
Thurs, Dec. 9, 7:30-10:00 am at the Washington DC Board of
Trade
To RSVP, please visit the Events section of my
website.
For the last two years I have been studying how leaders leverage
difficult times for growth and opportunity. I have been
particularly interested in understanding the unique opportunities a
challenging economy offers to increase penetration in the
marketplace, creating the foundation for real growth as things
begin to pick up again. This work has been driven by necessity as
many of my clients are facing these very circumstances. As a
result, the techniques I know about are those people are putting to
work. The session will move at a fast clip so I can cover all I
have identified for successfully using our challenging market to
achieve significant business growth.
100% of proceeds go to the
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually
Impaired
This is a very special executive presentation. I will have as my
guest a real mover and shaker in the DC business community, Tony
Cancelosi, CEO of Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually
Impaired. Tony has a string of successes in the private sector. If
you have ever used a live chat while ordering from a catalog
company, you have used technology Cancelosi developed as the CEO of
eStara. He also served as COO of Kee Systems, which you may
recognize as Sylvan Learning, now a public company.
Today Tony is working for the visually impaired in DC. Already he
has garnered millions in federal grant money, established programs
for vets, received funding from all metro counties, and will soon
be rolling out a mobile van unit. I am proud to be associated with
Tony and the Lighthouse. I serve on the advisory board. If you
attend my seminar, your registration fee will go directly to the
Lighthouse. There is no overhead, so your check can be made out
directly to Columbia Lighthouse. The cost is $250 for one, $500 for
three attendees.
A light breakfast will be served and there will be networking
7:30-8:00. My presentation, including some interaction with Tony
will be 8:00-9:45, with additional networking until 10:00. I hope
you will be able to join me.
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