Agile2013

This session will look at the behaviours of leaders that enhance or destroy a learning community. The Agile Community ( Conferences, Mail Groups, Local Groups and Companies ) will be used as an example of a learning community.

I will start by introducing the three types of leader in a learning community. The Trail Blazers (who find new ways of doing things), the Thought Leaders (who spread the word) and the Servants of the Community ( who create the spaces for learning ). As a warn up exercise, the room will break into groups to identify people who fit into each category of leadership. Participants will also be asked to identify people who encourage learning. These will be shared with the room. (10 Minutes) < Spoiler - Expect movement and sticky notes >

The groups will then identify examples of behaviour that encourage community learning. These will be shared with the room. (10 Minutes)

The groups will then identify examples of damaging behaviour that discourage community learning. These are the behaviours that discourage people from learning, experimenting, or sharing.... That prevent the birth, growth and spread of ideas. (Participants will be encouraged to share stories but mention no names). These will be shared with the room. (10 Minutes) < Spoiler - you guessed it >

The groups will then discuss strategies they have used for dealing with damaging behaviour. These will be shared with the room. (25 Minutes) < Spoiler - Sticky Notes, Movement, Flipcharts and An Accelerated Goldfish bowl >

The groups will then discuss how an understanding of these behaviours and strategies can be transferred into their own working environments. (10 Minutes)

We will wrap up with a short facilitated reflection.

To start the discussion of good and damaging behaviour, I can spare a number of stories I have encountered over the past few years (No names will be mentioned):

* Thought leaders who travel across the world to encourage trail blazers to re-engage with the