The Quality of Social Networks:  Are you quickly able to find the right people to contribute at the right time, no matter what the intellectual challenge?

Social networks are the web of connections between people.  They are the life-blood of your organization.  When we need information, guess where we go?  Research shows that we go to other people.  Databases, file systems or manuals tend to be a second choice. Cross and Parker[1], who have conducted scores of social network analysis studies note that: “In no case, did we see any technology come close to the importance people gave to other people for finding information and learning how to get work done.” Organizations that reach the margin of difference have inspired social networks.

Your people use social networks to find out who has the information, assess the quality of information and determine whether it can be supplied when it’s needed.  An inspired social network is highly diverse and includes people who can push the boundaries of current thinking.  These members are often people you wouldn’t expect. They can be in the corporate office or pushing the broom.  They can be a sales executive or even a customer who is complaining.  Great social networks include anyone who has a stake in the outcome.  Every person who operates at the margin of difference has an inspired social network.