spokeOrganizational network analysis: Visualize the network to reveal flight risks and super connectors
We began with a classic organizational network analysis (ONA), looking at who knows whom—and how well. From our initial visualization, we quickly found who was isolated and in need of extra support.
From there, we looked at individual folks' networks and began segmenting into network personas (aka roles or archetypes). We started with 3 simple ones: Connector, Bridge, and Influencer.
Alone, those personas are pretty interesting, but the really compelling stuff shows up when you layer them on top of one another. On this project, we spent a lot of time thinking about the groups that fell into Bridge or Influencer roles but not into Connector roles. These "hidden" personas are particularly hard to find without network analysis.
The insights from the network analysis became inputs for the actual connections part of the project. For example, we realized that one of our Hidden Influencers - we'll call her Jana - was planning to retire in a couple months. We know that if a Hidden Influencer leaves, their main connections become turnover risks. So, we prioritized connecting Jana's main connections with Super Connectors who could help pull them into the center of the network and fill the space that Jana would soon leave.
connect_without_contactSmart Connections: Facilitate introductions for those with deep, shared interests
Now the fun part. We facilitated roughly 4 rounds of connections over 6 weeks for 200 SambaNova employees. Along the way, we gathered feedback about what worked well and what could have been better (more on that in the Results section).
Thred's approach to connectivity is driven first and foremost by shared interests. Our matching algorithm ensured that every single pair had at least one deep, specific interest in common (think: backcountry skiing, jazz, roguelike video games, etc.).
To keep things simple, the actual 1:1s took place over Google Meet. The invites were customized based on shared interests, and we tried out a different format every week. Each week, participants let us know how things went. We were thrilled with the results that came back.