What do you learn from a community? Write any two things you learn from your community.
Answers
Answer:
Explanation:
1. Every community is different.
Although there are principles that can be applied across communities – particularly when working in the healthcare space, as I do – every community should be treated as its own independent organism. What works for one community may not work for another, and addressing the nuances within communities is the best way to build real relationships and ultimately add value where it’s needed most.
2. Have a plan (and a few backup plans).
It’s very likely that things will not always go as planned, particularly if you’re trying something new in your community — or with your parenting.
However, having a plan allows you to track progress and know when it’s time to shift gears. Having a backup plan (or two!) will allow you to make this transition as quickly and seamlessly as possible. We conduct detailed community assessments prior to the launch of any site. Even so, it’s impossible to be 100% sure of who our early adopters will be until the site launches. By knowing the key community segments in advance, we can monitor where we see the most growth and adjust the content accordingly.
3. Listen and observe.
If you really listen, your community will tell you what it needs, just as a child will. This might be in the form of obvious comments or discussion, but oftentimes it’s worth digging in a bit deeper to determine what type of content, tools, and resources really resonate with members.
4. Mistakes are inevitable.
When mistakes occur, recognize the issue, apologize, and use the feedback to improve future experiences for members. And while there’s always room for improvement, you also need to know when it’s best to just let something go.
5. Things will change.
Just when you’ve figured things out….everything changes! Or at least it sure can seem that way.
Although the ever-changing environment can be frustrating at times, embrace it. At the end of the day, changing needs are a sign of growth, and the role of the community professional is to nurture the community through this natural growth process. Consistency can be comforting, but it can also be a red flag.
6. “It takes a village.”
Flying solo is no easy feat. Identify areas where you could use some help – either based on a need for expertise, or a need for an extra set of hands. Embrace the power of your community by seeking out the natural leaders and encouraging them to take on important roles within the community.
In addition to receiving some much-needed assistance, you’ll build a great team of advocates. At the core of every one of our communities is a group of dedicated contributors and moderators, typically individuals living with the specific health condition. They are the lifeblood of each community – not only providing relevant content and assistance for members, but also bringing expertise and insight pertaining to the conditions we support. Our advocates promote our platforms, spread the word regarding initiatives, and help recruit new contributors and moderators.
7. Sometimes it’s best to do nothing.
For natural problem solvers, it can be tempting to constantly “fix” things with proposed solutions to member’s challenges. However, there is a lot to be said for instead providing a safe environment for people to vent, share experiences, and validate their feelings (oftentimes a real or “virtual hug” is just what the doctor ordered).
Occasionally allowing the community to work through bumps in the road on their own can provide opportunities for members to learn and connect with each other. Sometimes what you don’t do is as powerful as what you do. Sometimes giving the community that room to grow is more important than dictating the path they should take.
8. It’s not about you.
Even if you are a part of the community you’re building, you will have to address diverse needs and opinions. At the end of the day, you want your community to grow and thrive – with or without you – and that might mean letting go of some personal agenda items.
9. Make rules and enforce them consistently.
Having clear community rules with strict enforcement is an important way to maintain a safe environment for members. It’s important that everyone knows what’s expected, what’s allowed, and what’s not. Although it can be tempting to allow exceptions, maintaining consistency is critical for keeping things transparent and fair.
10. It takes patience.
Children can be demanding. Communities can be demanding. Both require a lot of patience and neither allows you to fully “clock out.” At the end of the day, though, both can be extremely rewarding.
Recognize the demands of the role and treat it with the respect it deserves. Give yourself room to rest and decompress each week. As every airline passenger knows: it’s important to put your oxygen mask on first. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, you will not have the mental and physical strength to help others.
Answer:
Explanation:
Communities are organic, living beings with distinct traits and needs that evolve over time, much like children. We have a great deal of expertise operating many community platforms, each of which has its own requirements. In their own unique ways, communities are expanding and evolving.
- Plan ahead (and a few backup plans).-
You can measure your progress and choose whether to change direction by creating a plan. You'll be able to adjust as quickly and safely as possible if you have a backup plan (or two!). Prior to the launch of every site, we carry out thorough community evaluations. Even so, it won't be possible to identify our early adopters with absolute certainty until the site goes live. We can track where we see the most growth and modify the material accordingly by being aware of the important community segments in advance.
- Things change
When you understand it ... everything changes! Or at least: The ever-changing environment can sometimes be frustrating, but accept it. Ultimately, changing needs are a sign of growth, and the role of community experts is to nurture the community through this natural growth process. Consistency is reassuring, but it can also be a warning sign.
- Set rules and enforce them consistently.
Clear community rules with strict enforcement are an important way to maintain a safe environment for members. It is important for everyone to know what is expected, what is allowed and what is not. You may want to allow exceptions, but maintaining consistency is the key to keeping things transparent and fair.
Project code: #SPJ2