Nominal Group Technique is a group discussion and consensus decision-making process that ensures everyone is heard, the key issues discussed, the best solutions identified, and a fair, group-based decision is made. Networks use this technique when faced with a difficult decision, multiple viable solutions, or differences of opinion. It ensures everyone is heard and a part of the discussion.
05 Dec 2016 by Daniel Dow
As your mission partnership moves into operation, your group will need to consider how it will organize for effectiveness. Collaboration can be organized in many ways – from informal awareness of each other to highly structured initiatives with constitutions, membership, and significant budgets. Here are a few things to consider as you move forward…
02 Dec 2016 by Daniel Dow
Partnership Field Guide (PFG) is a free 100-page resource that outlines the step-by-step process for developing effective mission partnerships. Based on nearly 30 years of work with mission networks and partnerships around the world, the Guide includes a section on “Partnership Theology” and a detailed overview of 15 key principles that power high-impact partnerships…
07 Nov 2016 by Daniel Dow
In this video, Manuel Lima, senior UX design lead at Microsoft, explains how networks have become the primary metaphor for understanding our world and solving major challenges. The shift from hierarchical thinking systems thinking
25 Oct 2016 by Daniel Dow
As mission agencies, local churches, and other ministries begin to explore partnering efforts across the boundaries of their organizations, two key questions often emerge: (1) How can you know when it is right to partner with other organizations in pursuit of a God-given vision? and (2) What can you do to make those partnerships successful? …
24 Oct 2016 by Daniel Dow
Have you ever found yourself in network or partnership meetings “solving” the same problem over and over again? These meetings can lead to solutions that don’t stick because we move too quickly from discussion of the problems to disagreements about proposed solutions. In this video, productivity consultant Ed Muzio explains the 50/30/20 rule of the hourglass model . This is a simple tool you can use to help organize a group decision-making meeting that works…
24 Oct 2016 by Daniel Dow
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:26, “I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ” In the same way, effective mission partnerships do not “run aimlessly” or “beat the air”. They stay focused on turning talk into action as they work together to achieve their shared goals. One of the key attributes of an effective partnering initiative is the discipline of regular evaluation and reporting…
24 Oct 2016 by Daniel Dow
Mentoring collaboration leaders requires a collaborative style of mentoring that goes beyond sharing experience and advice. In this webinar, Tim Brown, Senior Advisor for visionSynergy, shares a partnership-based approach to mentoring collaborative leaders developed over 10 years of working with oral culture leaders to expand their collaboration capacity.
28 Sep 2016 by Daniel Dow
This activity is a set of three questions designed to facilitate meaningful connections and increase engagement during the opening portion of a meeting or conference. It is an excellent network leader activity for annual or quarterly planning meetings when you want to help people reconnect with each other and the mission before plunging into the work at hand.
28 Sep 2016 by Daniel Dow
All mission networks and partnerships need resources to accomplish their shared goals. In many surveys we have done with network and partnership facilitators, one of the issues that always rises to the top is funding . The issue of funding can energize a group and help participants see that they can do things together they could never do separately, or it can be a major obstacle – yet another chance for pessimists to say: “I don’t see how this is going to work.” How you approach the issue can make all the difference…
