By A recurring question we face in developing a Hub in the Global Shapers Community (“GSC”) is: how do we recruit the right members? No easy answer. But our Shapers are our key if not sole assets. The right Shapers can lead the Hub to extraordinary success, create enormous value for their fellow Shapers, and indeed organise fantastic events – looking back at the Shape Asia conference (see below).
“What do you think makes a good Shaper?”
Good Shapers to me must have introspective qualities. They should understand themselves; their weaknesses and strengths, how they influence and become influenced; what makes them grow; and what makes them falter. Maintaining grounding and solid personal foundations are how you would commit to improve the state of the world.
I would like to ask new prospects these questions:
- Why did you decide to apply to become a Shaper?
- Many leaders are strong independent thinkers with their own individual styles. The GSC attracts young leaders from a diverse range of fields. How would you lead leaders?
- How do you think the GSC can be improved? What do you know about the challenges and problems faced by the GSC?
- To improve the state of our community, we look for a diverse range of skills, abilities, resources, and leadership. What would you bring to the Hub?
- How have you made commitments to improving your community (or Hong Kong)? What was your objective or vision? Why was there a need for it?
- Shapers are busy people and frequent travellers. We meet monthly for Hub meetings and more frequently or as needed to organise projects. How will you manage your time commitments for the GSC?
Prospective Shapers should respond by drawing on their experiences to the extent relevant. There are a number of ways to answer these questions. A true Shaper might even sidestep the questions and critique the different leadership styles and personal definitions of “entrepreneurship,” for example.
Incoming Shapers should evoke the “Shaper spirit.” Personally, I think this is a mix of leadership and entrepreneurial qualities and being natural team player. That’s why I would prefer having group discussions to see how prospective Shapers interact, bounce off and build on the ideas of each other. They should be asked whether they agree or disagree with each other’s response. This could be a scenario to riff on:
What’s an event the Hong Kong Hub can do to move us outside of our bubbles? How would you (two or three) together organise this?
It would be ideal if the prospects walk through their thoughts and show us how they perceive and resolve the associated challenges.
SHAPE Asia 2016
This was a showcase of what Shapers can do and the event brought together many excellent Shapers from overseas. The Hong Kong Hub of the GSC has successfully held the Shape Asia 2016 conference, which was reported in the GSC Update of October 28, 2016:
On 14-16 October 2016, over 140 Shapers from 69 Hubs and 33 countries came together for SHAPE Asia to share insights and innovations on how best to navigate regional challenges. From gender equality and mobility, to marine conservation and transportation – Shapers engaged in collaborative activities to shape the regional agenda through policy change, advocacy and projects, including the Belt and Road Initiative,a campaign to create a regional economic co-operation framework. Revisit the event feeds on Twitter and Instagram at #ShapeAsia to witness the discussions that took place!
Here are some photos from the event.
Participants found the event very rewarding and in many cases exceeded expectations. Being part of the organizing committee for Shape Asia has taught me a lot about hosting a successful large scale event in a six to eight month period. We were fortunate to receive guidance from Shapers and professionals who have had extensive experiences in the MICE industry. The shear scale of the organization involved a feat of efficient resource utilization, service sustainability, and an exercise of cost effectiveness.
