Promoting Interaction In A Shared Work Space

Currently, the most common term to describe freelancers, consultants, entrepreneurs and the generally self-employed, free-agent-types working in the same physical space is coworking. Though these places vary in size, ambiance and offerings, they attract professional mavericks who have shunned da’ man, who are reclaiming and redefining the water cooler for da’ newfound colleagues. A few of my favorite labels for these pioneers:

• Nomadic professionals
• Post-geographic workers
• Bedouin workforce
• Gypsy teams

While some of the kitschy labels suggest a carefree attitude, those making a go of it on their own are far from carefree. Kinda. I mean, they build in play where possible because a lot of that was absent in their previous professional incarnations:

• meetings on a tandem bicycle
• beer brainstorms
• ping pong planning
• skiving off early to buy the latest tech gadget, or be with friends, family, the golf course, a margarita

However, behind this play lurks the relentless pressure to keep the pipeline filled with interesting, steady work, or in some cases, angel or venture capital funding.

Staying innovative, motivated and networked when working solo presents a challenge, but one that can be easily overcome. You’re ahead of the pack if you’ve joined a coworking community because you have likeminds with which to connect. That is, if you connect. Actually, how do we connect?

On to a test. There will be no math.

Those drawn to a coworking environment:

• (a) know each other
• (b) like each other
• (c) are genuinely curious about other people
• (d) fundamentally c, thus leading to a, and hopefully b
• (e) none of the above

Really, there should be “(f) it depends and varies.”

Beyond the physical set-up of a coworking space which may include,

• (a) the intentional absence of cubicles
• (b) picnic tables
• (c) pods
• (d) living room-like zones
• (e) mobile whiteboards

and assuming you answered (e), how does one go about facilitating an interactive environment (to the extent to which that is desired – a valid point in and of itself)?

If your space is open to all – so it’s not just your friends, and it’s not a niche coworking space, like just for writers, or a stale, uber posh office, like Regus HQ – here are ten suggestions on how to bond existing members and integrate new people:

1. Relate via an existing social networking site (e.g. biznik, coworking google group)
   1a. or create a new, collaborative intranet space for members (laugh when you see no one using it; my experience is it’s just another place to go, another password)
2. Hold group orientations for new members.
3. Commit to weekly, "what do you do" lunches to share professions + tips.
4. Build comraderie with sub-groups by forming or offering voluntary “business incubator” groups that are, or aren’t, free form (e.g . Lisa Johnson’s Free Agent Formula course rocks).
5. When you go out to lunch, invite the person next to you.
6. Better yet, go out for beers – all y’all!
7. In the potluck spirit, bring in knoshy bought or homemade food to share.
8. Post an old school bulletin board with mug shots and biz deets in a common area
9. Foment lightheartedness, curiosity and perhaps competition, by placing games around the space (e.g. Roger Von Oech’s classic Creative Whack Pack, Twister, Settlers of Catan, Legos)
10. Get active! Form challenges on Nike Plus and go out for walks or runs together. This can be for a good cause too!