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Are You a Network Owner or a Network Steward?

Author: David Hackett
Date: 25.03.2010
Category: Partnership

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Those who step into leadership of an inter-organizational network or partnership assume a high task. Whether serving on a network’s council or steering committee or its leadership team, whatever the terminology, these leaders are called to help God’s people work together successfully!

Few callings are as valuable as this to help the global Church do ministry as one body, fulfilling Jesus’ prayer of John 17, "Father, I pray that they may be one, as you and I are one."

Networks and partnership continually rely on their leaders to help set up a collaborative environment (or as it has been aptly put by others, "creating a culture of exchange"). These leaders, however, often underestimate the distinct differences between being a leader in an organization and being a network’s leader.

The nature of the latter leadership role calls for leaders to set aside their own personal and organizational desires to a significant degree, for the sake of the network.

Simply stated, those serving in such roles must choose between viewing themselves as an ’owner’ of the network – which is an inappropriate stance to take – or to see their role as a ’steward’ of the network. The chart I’ve attached identifies some of the crucial differences in approach between these two stances.

What has been your experience of observing those who try to own a network? Or how has it felt to be blessed by those who caringly steward a network or partnership?

Keywords: partnerships, leadership, network leadership, partnership leadership, Hackett, David Hackett, networks, visionSynergy

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: Reply Flag 1 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down The-Dude-From-India (0)
India

To be very honest mate.... While it is desirable that we be Network Steward we are at many times fill into the roles of a Network Owner to ensure that the network moves forward.... Just my thought... A dialogue is definitely appreciated...
BTW - Loved the Chart

25.03.2010

: Reply Flag 1 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Rinchen (3)
United States
@ The-Dude-From-India: Yes. That is especially so when the network has formed around a charismatic "Lets work together as One in Christ" with little direction other than this. It is too easy to get the effect of "Yay, we have a network!! ...now what? It is also common to have attendees vary greatly from meeting to meeting, so some sort of leadership continuation is needed-- someone who takes responsibility. I think dave’s term above, "Steward" is useful. By its very nature, no one owns a network. Netowrks form around a commonly shared problem or issue that cuts through the boundaries of isolated organizations. Those who join the network connect to the flow of dialogue-- they don’t see themselves as joining any kind of club or institution. If you loose the information flow and the growth in konwledge, you lose people.
01.04.2010