Projects

Communities of Practice provide consistency for PI through relationships

Summary

As members of the PI consulting team at Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation, we are proud of the work we have done to connect a method of Communities of Practice (CoPs) with Principled Innovation. CoPs are socially focused learning communities whose principles and processes align well with Principled Innovation at ASU.

We recently designed a resource that bridges theory and practice of CoPs, which is published on our website. This resource ensures that participants grow not only as communities but also as individuals cultivating their ethical character. It provides an overview of the PI Approach, which emphasizes an innovation process rooted in moral agency, and includes a comprehensive guide for leading CoPs in alignment with PI principles. Designed with flexibility in mind, the guide supports members at any point in their PI journey, offering agendas, reflective activities, and tools to foster shared values and address social needs effectively and ethically.

Our team has been supporting the formation and continued development of many CoPs across ASU as more people seek to advance the university’s ninth design aspiration, Practice Principled Innovation. Browse the tabs below to view a selection of the many and diverse CoPs we’re involved with.

Community of Practice Engage multiple and diverse perspectives Practical Wisdom

Kaley Bontrager

Enrique Borges

Cristy Guleserian

Megan K. Hennessy

Hannah Jennewein

The Human Flourishing Community of Practice began meeting in October of 2024 to explore the question “How are we creating an environment at the university that allows humans to flourish?” Our goal is to use the Principled Innovation Framework to better understand how we cultivate a positive and nurturing culture within our university community. Through this CoP, we will build authentic relationships, foster creative and reflective thinking, and work collaboratively to enhance the experiences of students, faculty, and staff.

This CoP will continue to meet monthly throughout the 2024-25 academic year and has already begun gathering and sharing resources and strategies to address the above themes. The group has been adamant about engaging multiple and diverse perspectives and also continuing to invite participation from those who need to hear the voices of those involved in the CoP.

Themes

To date, we have registered 40 people from across the ASU community for the CoP, engaging both faculty, staff and community partners. Several themes have been identified for further exploration

Big picture vision for institutional flourishingThere is a desire for a culture that is as supportive and inclusive for employees as it is for students. Flourishing should be holistic, involving policies and resources that support everyone’s well-being and professional success.

Institutional culture and environmentThe culture of an institution directly impacts individuals’ ability to flourish. Valuing employees, avoiding disposability, and fostering a sense of safety are seen as essential cultural attributes that enable individuals to thrive. A shared mission, like ASU’s Charter and Design Aspirations, provides a foundation for flourishing. Knowing the “why” behind the work fosters motivation, unity, and a collective commitment to purpose.

Connection and belongingFeeling part of a team and sharing in collective achievements promotes an environment where people feel supported and motivated. A “family-like” atmosphere and recognition of all roles are seen as critical to fostering a sense of belonging. Encouraging connections and demonstrating genuine care fosters a supportive community, creating a web of support for learning, resilience, and thriving.

Empathy, care and well-beingEmpathy and care go hand in hand with flourishing. Genuine concern for colleagues and students supports a compassionate culture where individual well-being is prioritized alongside academic and professional objectives. Work-life balance and personal well-being are essential to flourishing. People want an environment that not only challenges them but also supports their holistic needs.

Growth, learning and autonomyOpportunities for growth, whether through professional development or sharing experiences, are seen as essential for flourishing. Leaders, too, should be part of this learning process, reinforcing a culture of mutual development and growth. Flourishing includes the ability to take risks without fear of failure. Autonomy, trust, and the freedom to learn from mistakes are important conditions for a flourishing work environment.

Recognition, transparency and feedbackTransparent communication and honest feedback cultivate trust and respect, which are key to a positive, flourishing culture. When people are informed and engaged, they are better able to contribute meaningfully. Recognizing both small and large achievements boosts morale and reinforces a positive, inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and motivated.

Launched in 2022 as part of a multi-year research study on the effectiveness of CoPs as a vehicle to catalyze PI, the Meta Community at MLFC has been central to our learning in building a broader network of PI-focused CoPs across various programs and colleges within the university. Comprised of faculty leaders at MLFC, this group meets regularly to exchange experiences of integrating PI into professional practice and to collaboratively address challenges, making this integration more intentional and impactful. The Meta CoP has provided valuable insights as we develop and refine current and future communities, focusing on ongoing relationships, authentic PI practice in hybrid settings, and shared leadership and facilitation.

Our College Catalyst Community of Practice meets monthly to exchange best practices, learn from one another, gather feedback, and collaboratively practice Principled Innovation. The group includes three cohorts, the most recent having launched in 2025. Each cohort comprises faculty and staff representatives from various colleges within the university, all working to embed and integrate Principled Innovation practices into their respective college contexts and cultures.

An offshoot of the Meta CoP, the PI Faculty Champions CoP was launched in August 2024 as a natural progression in advancing PI at MLFC. This community comprises faculty members who are deeply motivated to authentically integrate PI into systems and classrooms. Participation in this service-learning opportunity is entirely voluntary, reflecting the members’ commitment to furthering PI within the college. Initially guided by our team, leadership is now transitioning to the community members themselves, allowing them to determine the direction of the PI work to better address their shared professional needs – and, more importantly, the needs of students and the college as a whole.

THRIVE Collective is an immersive six-month experience and ongoing community of practice designed to equip individuals and teams with the skills, mindsets, and practices necessary to thrive during systems change. Participants learn to build a culture of meaningful impact by fostering Trust, Humility, Reflection, Inclusivity, Vision, and Empathy.

In November 2024, the first THRIVE cohort reconvened for a one-year reunion retreat to reflect on their personal growth and leadership evolution. Through reflective and relational practices, they deepened connections, identified barriers to authentic relationships, and explored ways to foster belonging and human flourishing. The group expressed a desire to stay connected and “pay it forward” by sharing insights and documenting their experiences through video interviews.

The next day, the second THRIVE cohort met for a two-day retreat. The cohort consisted of six teams from across the ASU ecosystem. The retreat focused on relational and reflective practices, fostering interpersonal connection, and introducing frameworks such as Principled Innovation, The Togetherness Practice, and Nonviolent Communication, alongside tools from The Atlas of Creative Tools and the PI Toolkit. By the end of the retreat, participants had formed strong connections and discovered new ways to communicate and collaborate.

The second cohort will continue their community of practice throughout 2025 in virtual gatherings, peer connections, informal meet-ups, and one-on-one coaching. These activities are designed to build on retreat practices, support personal and professional growth, and cultivate community as participants navigate innovative work in fast-paced environments. This work reflects our commitment to equipping individuals and teams to thrive, fostering cultures of belonging, and prioritizing well-being as we transform systems together.

Two people lay on carpets on their backs as a seated woman plays crystal singing bowls