Community Conversations around Structuring C2C – From Faceless Identities to Knowing one Another Online

Definition of Structure

Structure is a composition of all the tangible and regularly occurring features that help to shape the behavior of an organization’s members (Cole and Kelly, 2006). Structure generally has an effect on productivity, economic efficiency, member satisfaction and morale.

The “What is a Leader?” C2C group has in the last week of November introduced a requirement that group members have to introduce themselves so as to permit community conversations whereby everyone’s identity is openly known.

A pull model was used by the group administrators, in other words, a concept of “if you like the theme, you may participate after introducing yourself” was used.

By 12 December, 2020, above 63 group members out of over 200 heads that were on board had heeded to the call willingly introduce and identify themselves.

Rather than to despairingly look at those that join without introducing themselves, the C2C administrators could end up having using the push or expel model when it becomes clear cut that there is unexplained resistance to change on the part of those dragging their feet.

This could have been necessitated by the fact that, we are all racing against time and thus there must be a sense of urgency since people cannot wait forever especially in a futuristic and result minded platform like C2C in which is bound by the belief that where there is a next step, there must be progress.

For instance, discussions are being undertaken on the prospects of a C2C Leadership Institute (CLI) or an alternative over and above the C2C Wholesale Mentorships of at least 100 heads that is already on the cards.

However, one of the lessons that has been learnt so far in trying to get people organized in these social groupings is that even among those who pursue the leadership call, some, without being coerced, are unable to self-structure themselves with ease among others, when given an open opportunity to dos so.

You will find that they will still choose to cling to the idea of hiding their identity or to keeping quiet, in a way that can literally be referred to as “terracing”.

It is unimaginable that there are leaders and or change seekers who prefer to stay in the terraces.

Speaking on WIAL identity numbers Mutumwa Mawere (MM) had what is below to air out in passing:

[12/07, 07:49] MM: I am #2 on the list. Why is Identity so important in the affairs of human beings? Imagine a country with no population register.

I recall a meeting with the government of South Africa on the cost of having undocumented residents not only in terms of delivering safety to citizens but also in national planning.

This provoked me to recognize the importance of identity in the affairs of human beings.

What is your take on the proposition that absent identity, the idea of leadership is moot and redundant? What is your ID# in this group?

The human mind is an amazing asset. It can defy the odds yet it can easily be abused by its holder resulting in unproductive discourses and choices that undermine a promise. The group has no focus or suffer any burden of having one but you do. Please pause and reflect on the question that informs this group.

What is a Leader? Although the question may appear to be stupid, it is not unusual that many people would miss the message in it.

It is targeted to people who are in this group to reflect on it and share personal experiences starting with conduct in the group.

The task that I thought would unite would be to start by introducing each other and creating a sense of identity starting with the individual.

What has been the experience so far that can be shared to other groups?

In any community, absent of order, there is complete chaos. As C2C we have not dragged our feet at addressing this important issue of order or structure as we brainstorm the question “What is a Leader?”

It is commonly agreed among C2C existing and potential membership that structure is vital no matter we are a border less, open and online/virtual community that is actively conversing each passing day.

Thanks to internet technologies and the slight push that has been brought to bear in the new normal during or post Covid-19.

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