The Challenge
One of LinkedIn's most popular features is the ability of members to join "groups." These "groups" are formed to allow members to network and discuss relevant topics.
Currently, the largest LinkedIn group is Linked:HR, a group founded by French entrepreneur (resident in Seattle) Olivier Taupin. Linked:HR includes over 280,000 members. Dr. Cris Wildermuth manages Linked:HR and coordinates a team of twelve volunteer moderators.
Recently, LinkedIn announced its intention to completely overhaul the look and feel of the group interface. These changes include:
- A complete overhaul of the "look and feel" of the groups
- Members will be able to post "links" within their discussion items.
- Members will be allowed to "vote" for their favorite discussions, thus moving them "up" on the list
All those changes could be perceived as quite benign - after all, who wouldn't want a more modern "look" to the group? Why would "posting links" be a problem? Numerous group managers, however, are quite concern. Concerns include:
- Items featured by group managers used to be displayed at the top of the list - now these items appear in the lower right hand corner of the screen. This is a problem because these "featured items" often included summarized group rules.
- The ability to include "links" may lead to self-promotion (at best) or the inclusion of dangerous links (at worst).
- For some, the new look seems cluttered and difficult to read - managers are concerned their group members will leave the groups.
As manager of the largest LinkedIn Group, Dr. Wildermuth must understand the new changes, calm her moderators' concerns, and lead her group through the change process. This site will focus on Dr. Wildermuth's adaptive leadership strategies.
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