Importance of Social Events

'The social aspect can't be underestimated. It is really important'

The social aspects of a community are important to the development of trust and sharing and so the evening prior to the study visit should be regarded as part of the event. Staying in the same hotel and going out for a meal together help to establish social relationships. This is an important side-effect of the necessity to travel. Again some quotes from the CAMEL pilot:

'If you really want to share stuff it's not just a talking shop - it has to be integrated with a social existence as well.'

'If you know each other on a social level it's easier to relate on a professional level as well.'

The lunch break during the visit also falls into this category of 'social time' and so it is important to ensure that sufficient time is allowed for discussion and chat as well as eating.

During evaluation of the CAMEL pilot this came up many times as a significant factor. Comments included:

'It is really important to sit around a table and eat and tell stories and get to know people, on a social or semi-social level, in a way in which you can't just by turning up and sitting in a room and listening to something.'

'You only gain that trust by sitting down with people, breaking bread with people and engaging people on a social level and then things really start to happen.'

This may appear obvious in hindsight but it is a factor that is very often ignored in projects and many other collaborative activities.

If you organise one (or more) of your study visits to take place one afternoon and the following morning it gives the opportunity for a social gathering that can be more than going to a restaurant for a meal. In the CAMEL pilot our last study visit included a barbecue and music - this was of course in the summer months!

Using the CAMEL Model to Build a Community of Practice

Applying the Model

Related Video

More...