Creativity and innovation often emerge through "small world networks" - groups of groups of individuals from different backgrounds connected through shared experiences, knowledge, and collaboration.

These networks allow ideas to travel between different communities and generate new solutions

(Uzzi & Spiro, 2005; Wang, Kaiser, & Mitchell, 2024, Ch. 11).

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Step 1 - Join Network

Scan the QR code below or open the link to add yourself to the Cohort 19 network map.Open the Small World Network Sheet

 

Add the following information to the sheet:

• Your name
• Your professional role or field
• Your LinkedIn profile link

 

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Step 2 - Small World Network Formation

In class we will form small groups of individuals from different professional backgrounds.

Be prepared to share your expertise and perspectives with each other.

 

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Step 3 - Innovation Challenge

As a group, discuss the following prompt:

As a team: choose one educational challenge. 

(for example: student engagement, teacher burnout, technology integration, or equity).

Explain how creative leadership could help address this challenge.

 

Work together to propose one creative solution.

Remember, creative leadership often emerges when different perspectives intersect. Someone from K-12 may see a challenge very differently than someone from higher education.

 

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Step 4 - Share Back 

Each group briefly shares:

• The challenge you chose to discuss
• Your proposed solution
• Any new perspectives that emerged from collaboration. 

 

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