Challenge first. Sense-making second.
In the sumApp Sensemaking CoP we recently re-surfaced the notion that after the initial delight in a map, the best use of the map is in support of clearly centered and articulated community or individual challenges. Instead of focusing on the map and
Networkistas
Here's a little graphic we developed some years ago to explain the different types of network thinking and action.
Interrogating a netmap
Here's a little paper that we use to get map members / community builders thinking about how they can use the map in their work. Use it if it works for you. Drew Mackie
This is What We Need Most! Please Share Your Thinking!
One thing I've learned in my years of making custom Social System Maps for clients is this: We need to be generating more real sensemaking with our projects. Our intention to help networks make a bigger difference depends on developing greater sensemaking capacity in networks, and getting network strategists to embed their maps into their ongoing decision-making activities. The challenge is two-fold: 1) Clients (network leaders) don't understand (they have no reason to understand, if we don't help