Featured Resources
A primary goal of the Commons is to make research applied in ways that have a direct impact on organizational performance and individual well-being. Below are toolkits and courses that can be used for talent development from the newest hire to the most senior executive.
Toolkits
High Performer’s Personal Network Toolkit | |
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This toolkit employs a series of online and paper-based resources to innovate, execute and thrive at work for use in leadership development, on-boarding and career planning workshops. Toolkit Components Online Personal Network Assessment: | Personal Network Card Sort: Designed for 12 Lessons: Each lesson has five key components–a video describing specific leadership strategies, a research paper, supporting slides, case studies and an action planning tool. Library of Case Studies: 140 two-page mini case studies summarizing practices of leaders at all levels of an organization. Currently, the assessment, lessons, and case studies are only available to members. Public access will be enabled in October. |
Reducing Collaborative Overload Toolkit (Regain 18-24% Time) | |
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The collaborative intensity of work has exploded over the past decade due to companies transitioning to matrix based structures, increased complexity of products and services, globalization, email proliferation and adoption of collaborative tools and social media. Our research has shown that by making a few changes – typically doing just 3-4 things differently – can enable you to claw back 18-24% of your collaborative time. These tools ask you to reflect on a set of beliefs and practices that distinguish more efficient collaborators. | Toolkit Components Online Collaborative Overload Assessment: Collaborative Overload Card Sort: Currently, the assessment is only available to members. Public access will be enabled in October. |
Engagement and Performance through Networks Toolkit | |
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When employees experience trust, purpose and positive energy in their network, they are four times more likely to be high performers, give greater effort, report higher engagement levels and stay longer in the organization – ultimately thriving at work. Our research has identified specific ways to improve the quality of relationships to build trust, a sense of purpose and energize those around you. Toolkit Components Online Engagement Assessment: Produces online comparative results; a comprehensive paper-based report that includes strengths, opportunities and blind sports; features optional 360 feedback; and contains a team-based component. | Engagement Card Sort: Designed for Case Studies: Best practice summaries based on a significant leadership study, providing further detail directly related to each engagement item. Currently, the assessment and case studies are only available to members. Public access will be enabled in October. |
Initiate, Engage and Refine Networks for Successful Role Transitions Toolkit | |
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Initiating and engaging personal networks in targeted ways is critical to successful role transition. Whether entering a new organization, taking on a lateral transfer or accepting a promotion, people who invest in certain network strategies enjoy more successful role transitions. Toolkit Components Resource Center: Contains 12 total lessons; |
Network In Transition Card Sort: Designed for Currently, the networks in transition toolkit is only available to members. Public access will be enabled in October. |
Courses
Personal Networks of Successful People Virtual Course | |
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A highly interactive five session virtual program teaching leaders the collaborative practices of high performers based on 20 years of research. Participants progress through the course supported by activities, videos, articles, discussion forums and live sessions, and conclude with a detailed action plan to improve their teams/units and their own personal networks. Cohort networks are built through the experience to provide an ongoing community for each participant. Program Description Our research over the past two decades shows that more effective people cultivate networks that: |
For a look at the course roadmap or to get a sense of the course design, see our lesson on Innovate. If interested in learning more, please contact us. |

Rapid On-Boarding and Retention through Networks Course | |
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The quality of a newcomer’s network dramatically decreases time to productivity and odds of unwanted attrition. This on-boarding and retention tool employs a face-to-face experience for the first session followed by four virtual modules that include an overview, videos, knowledge check and action plan. The materials are based on a decade of research to help newcomers rapidly replicate the connectivity of high performers on entry and by transitioning these networks over 18 months of tenure. Program Description Unlike traditional on-boarding programs, this focuses on building the right network connections at the right point: |
Refer to the overview of the Generate Energy and Trust module to get a sense of the course design. If interested in learning more, please contact us. |

Organizational Network Analysis for Business Success Virtual Course | |
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Network analytics are fast becoming an essential competency for organizations who want to understand how their informal networks function and manage them to drive change, fuel innovation and develop talent. Program Description A six session virtual course teaches people how to conduct Organizational Network Analysis (ONA). This program leverages a range of experts with decades of experience to help participants consider all aspects of a successful network analysis project. The course will teach you how to: |
Refer to the course description for more details and to register. |