The paradox of online communities: How to cultivate ones that build bridges not islands

I was recently asked by a friend "Do you think that technology such as social media is causing or healing our divisions?" As with most great questions worth chewing on, there just isn't a simple answer. Technology has certainly made media more democratized, yet for all our connecting online, we are actually becoming more isolated. If we know technology can so easily separate us - from our own immediate experience, each other, and our environment - are there ways we can ensure it bridges us instead?

CollaborationLydia HooperFebruary 16, 2018Comment

Graphic recording: How to get started

Data visualization professionals often focus on numbers, helping to tell the story of what, when, where, and how much. But more often than not organizations first need to better understand the why and how (this is known as qualitative data). Before there is a need to communicate key insights, there is always a need to communicate first about what insights will matter most to the people involved, and therefore what data to plan, collect, analyze, and present. Graphic recording is a method for using visuals to support communication and understanding during real-time dialogue. Hand-drawn illustrations allow teams to simultaneously collect, analyze, and report qualitative data about people and groups.

DataCommunication, Creativity, CollaborationLydia HooperDecember 13, 2017Comment

What happens when we connect with "the other"

One of my favorite ways to traverse apparent divides is to attend conferences where I can meet with folks outside my own industry. What makes conferences so much richer in my opinion than other learning experiences (books, podcasts, webinars, even classes) is that they are like "microtribes." Attending them is like immersing yourself in a group that has specific languages, behaviors, and ideologies. You get exposed to a range of perspectives and ideas from different people who tend to share similar roles, experiences, and/or goals.

CollaborationLydia HooperDecember 8, 2017Comment

Sketchnotes of interfaith panel at Warrior Principle, Climate Action

Last weekend, Boulder Shambhala Center hosted the climate change symposium Living Beyond Hope and Fear: Warrior Principle, Climate Action. The event included an interfaith panel moderated by Rev. Fletcher Harper of GreenFaith. My sketchnotes of this inspiring, in-depth conversation are here.

CollaborationLydia HooperSeptember 25, 2017Comment

How committing to co-creative process is different from producing an outcome

As a designer who's deeply interested in relationships, I value thoughtful process. I am not only used to the "labor pains" that a thorough, deliberate process requires but I consider myself fortunate to experience this labor of love on a regular basis. I know from experience that intentional process always leads to the best outcomes: deep understanding and meaningful relationships. I believe these lasting solutions can only come from thoughtful processes.

Creativity, CollaborationLydia HooperAugust 23, 2017Comment

Why communication planning is different for networks: How your network can re-learn communication to make it successful

Networks are able to solve problems that individuals and organizations cannot on their own. Often when we think of them, we think about coordinated resources and activities, but we also need to think about the coordinated flow of information and ideas. After all, the reason networks are more effective at addressing large scale issues is that multiple clusters of expertise can inform one another in order to be both more efficient and more responsive to needs. To do so, they need to be in consistent communication with one another. But communication in networks is different than in organizations. When we understand this, we can recognize and capitalize upon the incredible opportunities they present.

DataCommunication, CollaborationLydia HooperAugust 1, 2017Comment

Sketchnotes from TEDxMileHigh "Point of Departure"

Here are sketchnotes I created from some of my favorite talks at TEDxMileHigh's "Point of Departure" event this month. Not surprisingly, they are all about relationship.

Collaboration, CreativityLydia HooperJuly 14, 2017Comment

"Hiding" in your communications: When it's helpful

My last blog was all about the ways that we might be hiding instead of communicating and how doing so can hurt us. Now for the good news: hiders like myself can also put their instincts to good use. Here are some ways that I've found my introverted, introspective attributes to be highly helpful in communications.

DataCommunication, Creativity, CollaborationLydia HooperJune 26, 2017Comment

"Hiding" in your communications: When it's harmful

While you may know me as an expert communicator, what you may not know about me is that I am also an expert hider. It has taken me years to develop messages about my services, to have a website that I am proud of, to be able to write and stories like this - and a lot of that time and energy was spent waiting, overanalyzing, rehearsing, pretending. Knowing one needs to communicate well and committing oneself to the hard work of doing it consistently are two different things. Like me, the organizations I work with often recognize that communication - among internal teams and with the communities they are a part of - is one of the greatest obstacles they face as they seek to grow their impact.

Collaboration, Creativity, DataCommunicationLydia HooperJune 12, 2017Comment

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