You know what's interesting? Thinking back on your professional and academic life and realizing how many organic PLN's you were a part of. If I had realized that I was in something more than a group of individuals discussing related ideas, would I have been able to utilize the opportunity I had? If only someone from the future would have come to me and said "Becky! Realize the opportunity in front of you!" While there is nothing I can do about it now, it makes me think of how I can develop and take advantage of the tools I have at my fingertips.
How can I develop a PLN based on the work I am doing and be sure the network has the proper individuals and skill sets included? To me, this is a difficult question and an even more difficult one to execute. I think it is important to look at the goal and develop around that. Interestingly enough, that goal may change. This is where making sure the individuals in the group are able to accommodate change and still be able to execute. Determining skill sets is important, but I do think there is a benefit to having a PLN happen organically. Sometimes an outside perspective is exactly what is needed to bring clarity.
It is hard to really pinpoint who and what is needed in the beginning. Asking yourself, and the network, the "who", "what", "where", "when", "how", and "why" questions provide a good starting point. A clear identity is essential and the development can happen to branch off that.
Questions to end on: Are you currently in a PLN? If so, what do you find to be most beneficial?
I enjoyed reading your post! If I had only recognized what I was a part of, I would have worked at developing my PLN to its capacity. I think once you realize how beneficial PLN’s can be and what they are, you can think more purposefully about work engagements, employee interactions, or even those “tedious” tasks-at-hand. I formerly worked in the healthcare field at a skilled nursing facility, where unbeknownst to me, I had a large PLN. Now, my current place of employment is at home, with my child. Despite only utilizing one platform, seeing a reduction in size, becoming less professional, more informal and focusing on parenting questions and answers, does that still constitute being a part of a PLN?
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