During our P2PU Gathering in Kansas City, a group of organizers met to discuss challenges and share tips for coordinating teams. Here are their shared best practices:
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Present learning circles at a managers meeting
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Visit different branches in-person if you can (although it can challenging to coordinate!)
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Present learning circles as a voluntary commitment. Use the mindset of “if you don’t want to do it, then I don’t want you to do it”.
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Use internal promotion to gain interest
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Coordinate communication and training within regional “pods” or groups
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Coordinate regular check-in meeting with teams
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Form a regular routine with staff. For example, learning circles can happen every month, semester, or season on an annual basis.
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Offer a clear value proposition for staff:
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“You know best what your neighborhood needs” and “learning circles are a way to meet those needs”.
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“Learning circles are innovative, and CPL started it!”
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“You already have the skills needed to run this”
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“This work is inspirational!”
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Be prepared for challenges
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Difficult to coordinate and communicate with multiple locations
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When library branches or distant locations run into challenges, they often give up right away
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Difficult to maintain quality control with large teams
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Important to remind team members the distinction between quality education and quantity or “number of seats” mindset.
What has worked for you? @jesslikesbirds @Megan_Danak @Sherry_Lehane