Seeding Good Network Habits

Supporting networks, or volunteers, or project teams, I find it’s critical to teach people how to use the tools we have effectively. I try to sneak tips into e-mails and to model good habits — hard when you’re in a hurry!

I’ve been leaning on Kathy Choh of Management HQ to help me with this. She provides admin support to NEWHAB. Today I’m sharing the tips we co-wrote last week. This one focused on effectively contributing to and getting the most out of NEWHAB’s Google Group.

 

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This is a good introduction to how we use the Google Group if you are brand new to the group, and a helpful reminder if have been a part of NEWHAB since before it had a name.

First, the purpose of this Google Group. This is our main communication tool for the Network for Energy, Water and Health in Affordable Housing.

FRIENDLY WARNING: There are well over 100 people who receive these e-mails, so please be respectful of others e-mail inboxes when you broadcast to everyone.

OPPORTUNITY: There are over 100 experts who receive these e-mails, who want to know what is going on and connect with NEWHAB, so please take advantage of this list to share and solicit expertise as well as to connect with one another.

Tips:

1.)    Am I responding simply to acknowledge an e-mail?

• No → Stop, send a personal e-mail.
• Yes → Go to #2.

2.)    Is this message relevant to many group members?

• No → Stop, send a personal e-mail.
• Yes → Go to #3.

3.)    Is this a valuable learning opportunity that relates to [the theme of this network]?

• No → Stop.
• Yes → Send it!

4.)    Is this report or update helpful to people driving the change we want to see?

• No → Stop.
• Yes → Send it!

5.)    Am I seeking insight or information on a specific technical issue related to[the theme of this network]?

• No → Stop.
• Yes → Send it!

6.)    Will this information help other network members learn ways to go beyond their current success?

• No → Stop.
• Yes → Send it!

7.)    Is this a specific opportunity for other network members to get involved in relevant work?

• No → Stop.
• Yes → Send it!

8.)    Is this an opportunity for other network members to connect with one another?

• No → Stop.
• Yes → Send it!

[Instructions on how to post to the group.] Remember to use your work e-mail address so people have a sense of your background.

Inviting Question: What are you working on that offers value to or accesses the expertise of network members?