Have you ever been part of a group at work that meets regularly to learn more about particular topics? Have you ever wondered how those groups stay together…or why they can so easily fall apart?
A community of practice (CoP) is one such group. Essentially, a CoP is a voluntary group of people who regularly discuss and share learning on a business topic or area of common interest. These kinds of communities are key to sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and identifying solutions that can be applied to other places. Many organizations have CoPs or other similar networks, yet most don’t understand what is needed to sustain them long term.
Last year, my colleague Sarah Crass and I developed what we called “10 Ways to Avoid CoP Failure”, based on lessons we learned from our respective experiences with CoPs. We presented them last Spring during APQC‘s 2020 virtual KM Conference in a session aptly titled Life After Love: What Happens After CoPs Fail? We felt these “10 Ways” neatly summarized some essential elements of successful CoPs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or have never heard of CoPs until now, we hope you get something out of this list. You can also check out the video of our session at the bottom of this post to hear Sarah and I talk each of these through.
Happy learning!
10 Ways to Avoid CoP Failure
1. Build From a Business Purpose
Does your CoP fill an actual gap or need?
2. Establish Leadership Buy-In and an engaged Business Team
Take time to orient your leaders to the CoP purpose and best practices. Point directly to team goals and strategy and brainstorm how CoP engagement will help you achieve those goals faster.
3. Establish a CoP Charter
A charter outlines the purpose and role of your CoP and how it aligns to your organization or team strategy. It should also include what resources are needed, any barriers to success and ways you will measure performance.
3.5. Determine (and Review!) Your Metrics
How will you measure success? This should be part of your charter but deserves its own shout-out.
4. Create a Starter Group
Just like you need a good “starter” for sourdough bread, you need a group of committed people to get your CoP going.
5. Appoint a CoP Manager at the right level of influence
5% of a junior staffer’s time is not going to cut it if your goal is a thriving CoP.
6. Have an agreed-upon agenda
Meeting agendas developed at the last minute often stray from the focus of your CoP.
7. Agree on Technology
What platform will you use? Does everyone have equal access/bandwidth?
8. Offer Face-to-Face Opportunities (when possible!)
COVID-19 definitely made the world re-think in-person interaction. While nothing can truly replace face-to-face meetings, even having cameras on during virtual CoP gatherings can help build friendships and break down barriers.
9. Promote and Celebrate Active Participants
Encouraging your business team and active members goes a long way (e.g. having a “member of the month”).
10. Spark joy
Ensure that the interaction is fun and meaningful for CoP members. If you aren’t looking forward to your CoP meetings, chances are neither are your practitioners.
Now, watch the video below to hear our full presentation!
