Collaboratory Handbook & BPG

Jean ZipaganLeaders Workshop 2012

Thursday23 August 2012

Meet the Handbooks

Where to download?

Part 1: Collaboratory Handbook

Problems with the wiki

• Excessive linking• “Black hole” effect – pages not linked to

anything• Outdated information• Requires training in wiki coding• Inability to backup wiki content • Everyone is responsible, no one is

responsible.

Time to downsize the wiki!

What the wiki is good for?

• Focus: (1) Marketing (2) Project visibility• Project articles• Chapel schedule• Event calendar• Event planning guides (EPG)• Announcements• Forms• Specific job descriptions• Meeting records

What is the handbook good for?

• Introducing Collaboratory processes to new leaders and advisors

• Easy access and distribution• Documenting organizational processes

(How-to’s)• How to appoint leaders• How to lead meetings• How to recruit members• How to spend money

Part 2: Collaboratory Best Practice Guide (BPG)

Definition

• “Generally-accepted, informally standardized techniques, methods or processes that have proven themselves over time to accomplish given tasks”

• Used where no specific methodology is in place, especially in dealing with projects coupled with human challenges

Best Practice Guide

The Collaboratory Best Practice Guide (BPG) is a compilation of tried and true tips and

learned wisdom from our most experienced Collaboratory leaders.

Rationale

• Top 4 success factors in The Collaboratory:1. Team commitment2. Right client connectivity3. Project management4. Project leadership skills

Rationale

• The more we grow, the less we can rely on word-of-mouth

• Knowing what not to do is just as valuable as knowing what to do

• Things which impact us the most are often those that are least documented

• Encourage leaders to get in the habit of being intentional about mentoring and training their members

Content• Setting Your Project Up for Success

• Planning Successful Projects• Setting Attainable Milestones• Assigning Manageable Tasks • Conducting Exciting Meetings • Creating Meaningful Documentation • Obtaining Necessary Funds

• Building Meaningful Lasting Relationships• Establishing Good Client Relations• Making the Most of Your Advisor• Building Team Commitment• Traveling Done Right

Next Steps:

• Handbook• Distribute to new advisors and receive

feedback and revise as needed• Remove redundant content from wiki

• Best Practice Guide• Continue to collect best practices from leaders

regularly and update BPG

Session Take-aways

Handbook• Response to change and organizational

growth• Shift towards better defining roles of

different Collab (IT) technologies and tools

Best Practice Guide• Training and developing student leaders is

equally important to carrying out our work• “Soft” criteria (team commitment,

example of upperclassmen and advisors, etc.) contribute the most to Collaboratory success

Where to download?

Questions?