Story

Story: Inspiring the Future of Work By Unlocking Innovation Through Chaos, Creativity and Collaboration

by Derek Neighbors - Participant at Gangplank

January 12, 2012 at 8:23am

25 Comments

46 Ratings:

Overall 4.74
Innovative 4.85
Detail 4.63

Contribution Summary

Summary

Gangplank is revolutionizing the world of work. By providing a collaborative workspace to encourage creation instead of consumption for creators. The unique model is working with local government and business to provide a public private partnership that boosts civic engagement, sets community vision and collaborates to unlock innovation. The model is rapidly growing in Arizona and changing how cities view relationships with the creative workforce.

Moonshot(s)

Context

Gangplank was created by two entrpreneurs in Chandler, AZ that loved their city, but felt that it lacked the culture to make creative ventures successful. It was started just before the recession 4 years ago. It started by trying to help technical entrepeneurs through seed funding and incubation, but quickly found the community needed so much more.

In the last four years the space has increased from 2,500sqft to 14,000sqft and has opened three new locations. It has partnered with two cities (Avondale, AZ and Chandler, AZ) and is activating creatives to get involved in government and their community. Bringing fresh ideas and the concept of iterating through ideas to find success.

Gangplank has started a collaborative workspace movement that was highlight this year as one of Entrepreneur Magazines 100 Most Innovative Companies. http://whatisgangplank.com

Triggers

Arizona's economy says it all. It a state ruled by land development and laden with horrific legistalation, the looming economic disaster was like a great haboob waiting to swallow the state. Watching foreclosures rise and responsible government decline the state of busines in Arizona needed hope.

Gangplank had recognized the culture problems and proactively started to rally creatives and work with local government to brace for the coming economic apocalypse. This was a perfect storm because local government has been extremely open to iterating through ideas and becoming creative in providing solutions to complex problems. More than anything they have begun to embrace the creative community and started to apply it to the civic community as well.

Council members, mayors, educators and non-profits are for the first time looking to collaborate to solve problems instead of building silos of power and politics.

Gangplank has put members on nearly every board and commission in the city and started work directly with economic development to show the power of the manifesto. A list of ideals,values and principles that the creatives of the city put forth to make a difference.

http://gangplankhq.com/vision/manifesto/

collaboration over competition
community over agendas
participation over observation
doing over saying
friendship over formality
boldness over assurance
learning over expertise
people over personalities

Key Innovations & Timeline

June 2007

Integrum technologies has additional office space and wants to surround itself with talented people. In order to increase density of ideas invites Forty Agency to move in to their office at no cost. Asking only for the social capital of agreeing to make Phoenix more awesome.

August 2007

Integrum invites two more companies into the their office at no charge furthering the idea of social capital as payment and increasing concepts of collaboration.

November 2007

Weekly brownbag speakers give presentations to growing audience of local creatives. People attending now growing outside those that work in the building. Many ask if they can stay and work at building after events.

January 2008

Weekly hacknights instituted that invite anyone from the community to come and work on projects or get help with projects. Artists and musicians also encouraged to attend. Never sure if someone was going to start a company or a dance party was going to break out.

June 2008

The companies currently working at the space are now exchanging work regularly, at times even exchanging freely employees services to grow their businesses. It is apparent that this level of energy had not been seen in the local creative community and that it need to be shared. Gangplank the entity was created.

September 2008

Gangplank decides to fund three startups and incubate them in the collaborative space. Each anchor company agrees to donate time in their area of expertise to help the incubated companies succeed. Authority Labs, Simple Seating and Date Designer are all started and incubated over the next 180 days.

December 2008

The space is beyond full. The start of the real estate crash is looming. In a serendipitous moment, the lease on our building was broken and we were able to move to industrial park and double space to 5,500sqft while keeping the expenses flat.

June 2009

Eventhough space has been doubled, becoming a fixture in the community. The ground zero of innovation in a community that had been far too disparate for too long. At this point started working with various local government's to discuss what we were doing and how important it is to change the culture of how we work.

September 2009

Gangplank Utah comes online at the University of Utah campus. The concept and idea spread through Sorenson Media to the University and quickly adopted as a way to do business for its business students.

December 2009

Executed a $1,000,000 agreement with the city to help them change the way they operate and handle economic development. Making the city a prime example of an local government that is serious about creativity and collaboration in the fabric of how it operates.

June 2010

Purchased building in downtown Chandler to take ideas and principles of revitalization of ideas to the next level. Looking to push civic engagement and step outside of creative workplace and into changing the fabric of a city to embrace its humanity and reconnect with it's citizens.

July 2010

Opened location in downtown Chandler and started several initiatives to change the place we live and work.

http://gangplankhq.com/leadership/

Academy

Educating transistioning adults and expanding workforce in ways not offerred by universitiy and at no cost to participants.

Chandler

Getting people involved in the civic duties necessary for the city of the future. Placing people on arts commission, downtown association, ecomonic development advisory board, parks and recreation board, etc. Also, activiely working to plan the future of the city with officials.

Community Outreach

Building and effecting change in the community itself. Mainly events to get the community self aware and interacting.

Studios

Music, Art and everything in between. Free recording studio, podcast studio and art/music venue.

Junior

Tackling radical education reform for children.

Health & Fitness

Getting people mentally and physically healthy while exploring their community and interacting with each other.

Feb 2011

Partnering with Bookman's Entertainment Exchange to bring Gangplank Tucson to life.

June 2011

The city of Avondale approaches the City of Chandler and asks for help getting engagement. The city of Chandler actively collaborates with Avondale to help guide getting Gangplank Avondale to be a reality.

During this time Gangplank actively has been assessing what works to unlock innovation. We have found the formula to be...

Chaos + Creativity + Collaboration surrounded by fun and excellence unlocks innovation.

We have found that a density of diverse people put in a chaotic enviroment increases creativity. When they are inspired to collaborate with each other over time new possibilities are unlocked. A magic occurs that could only be explained as serendipity. When immersed in a community of excellence those ideas are able to be monetized and innovation unlocked.

We believe that our future is not about individuals innovating or about companies innovating. Our next true evolution will come when we learn to innovate as an entire community. In Chandler, AZ we now have a government that looks to it's people, companies and neighboring cities to raise the bar for success. The question is no longer how can the city solve the problem but how can the community solve the problem?

Challenges & Solutions

The challenges are listed in our manifesto competition, agendas, observation, saying, formality, assurance, expertise and personalities. We find these items to be the status quo and what prevent community building and innovation. Examples of disrupting the status quo.

Collaboration over Competition
We decided to tackle this one early. Integrum invited in other companies to build Gangplank collectively. Removing all financial obligations and getting back to the roots of barn buliding to help one another. We have pulled this into community by modeling collaborative behavior for institutions and organizations of all types.

We have businesses who are competitors that work at the same desk and cross train each others teams realizing that rising tides lift all boats. We have even had employees change companies without changing their desks.

Community over Agendas
Breaking down political silos has been one of biggest undertakings. We have effectively started to break down siloed thinking in government and brought parties to table to move the community forward. Whether this be helping fight unemployment with Gangplank Academy and Laid Off Camps or helping bring multiple school districts together to look at radical innovation in education.

Participation over Observation
We understand that sitting on the sidelines gets you know where. While observation is important participanting generates even more insight and prompts action. We have actively gotten creatives involved in key city boards and commissions while getting the city to participate in the creative community.

Doing over Saying
Stop saying and start doing. It is too easy ot sit back and analyze forever. Paralyzing from ever doing anything. Gangplank was built on a foundation that said regardless of resources do great things and others will follow. Not everything will work and that's okay. Failing and knowing what doesn't work is valuable too.

We have hosted City Camps (http://citycampaz.com), Laid Off Camps (http://laidoffcamphx.com) and Economic Development Open Spaces (http://vibrantphx.com) to get people collaborating and encourage people to start tackling problems. While other spaces are talking about creating jobs and helping people connect, Gangplank does it everyday.

Friendship over Formality
Not every deal needs a lawyer and complicated contract. Sometimes a handshake and your word is sufficient. Our entire space has multi million dollar companies working in a space without formal rent agreements or complicated work sharing agreements. Peoples reputation and need to belong offer a much stronger form of contract. One that the future can be built upon.

Boldness over Assurance
The tag line at Gangplank is "Be Dangerous". It means challenge every assumption. Say the things others wont. Stand up for the things that are right when others look the other way. Swim upstream and bring out the best in everyone around you. Rely on making a difference not in being told you are a good boy.

Challenging the status quo in education, economic development and politics has earned Gangplank a seat at many tables because it is fresh of breath air for many organizations to have fierce conversations that they have been avoiding for a long time.

Learning over Expertise
You don't have to be an expert to try something new. In fact, sometimes the baggage of too much experience can impede new and creative ideas. Encouraging cities to try new things and engage in new ways is part of building community.

People over Personalities
We all put our pants on one leg at a time. Titles and roles don't matter in a world where how you impact people is the real goal. We are teaching cities to restore humanity to the work they do. To see people as people with feelings, dreams and talents. Encouraging use of space and resources to bring the most out of those people so that they can give back to their community.

Examples of these principles in action can be found in our values series:

http://gangplankhq.com/category/values/
http://whatisgangplank.com

Benefits & Metrics

A state down on it's luck and without a roadmap for it's future is finding hope in it's people. It is understanding that connecting it's people is the key to it's future.

Gangplank has hosted more than 200 programs for the community last year alone. Instituted a business network of mentors. Raised local downtown tax revenue in a time where tax revenue everywhere else in state fell siginificantly.

45% of anchor companies have hired a local community member as an employee and 73% of them have hired another anchor for a project.

Gangplank is actively changing how cities view their citizens and how they run their governments. Furthermore, Gangplank is setting the tone for how businesses of the future will operate.

Lessons

Embrace Chaos

It is mandatory that everything not be polished and perfect. The workplace has to feel like home. It has to be okay to make a mess and clean it up. People need inspiration to be creative. Giving an atomosphere where people don't know what is coming next makes them open for possibility. Nothing seems unachievable when you see crazy modeled everyday.

Enable Creativity

Failure is imperative to the process. It has to be okay to fail. Furthermore, knowing you are going to fail means that you have to try a lot more. Encouraging people to try and try again is necessary to allow thinking that is truly different. Giving staff the ability to be self-organizing in their work and dusting them off when they fall down is important.

Facilitate Collaboration

If the idea only comes from a single person or group, reject it until more people are involved. Ideas don't get truly transformative until they have been vetted and built upon by multiple people. Assume that this hasn't been done and encourage people to work people outside their comfort zone to refine their ideas. Help make introductions and provide pathways for ideas to breath. Help alleviate fears among those reluctant to share and reward them when they do.

Instill Excellence

Never let someone settle for less than their best. Raise the bar by having teams always hungry for performing at a higher level. Let them push each other to new heights. Not because they are competitive but because they are driven towards greatness as a collective.

Promote Fun

That's right make the journey and experience. Make a day away from doing the job painfully sad because of the great times that are being missed. Make people long for home. Create a place where people want to be and share with others.

Look for Innovation

Put in place structure that harnesses the creativity and collaboration happening to bring it to market. Allow it to impact and expand to others. Have an eye for changing the future.

Simply. Be Dangerous. Stop talking, start doing.

Credits

Derek Neighbors

Jade Meskill

Katie Charland

Kim Kressaty

James Archer

Input

Comments

Captain Obvious

February 29, 2012 at 2:45am

I cannot tell you how happy I am to see these constructive academics concepts gain more and more shape into implementation as we go further into the twenty-first century. The point is I have once a member of a big international students organization that taught me a lot of things. Actually, almost everything I learned about management systems and corporate culture, I learned it from there. That`s when I actually started training sessions of time management, self development, career path. In a few years or so, my name was already on the entrance lists of one of those colleges in Idaho. And that`s where the true beautiful story on my career started from.

Mark Deutsch

January 27, 2012 at 2:36pm

Fantastic story - I am co-organizing a group of folks as I write this to launch several Gangplanks in Central Virginia, starting with Henrico, VA (http://www.facebook.com/GPHenrico) - This is a brilliant, game-changing concept that I look forward to driving to make a massive difference.

Anil Jain

July 26, 2011 at 1:22pm

Kudos to Derek & Jade, and the rest of the Gangplankers. You guys are having a real impact in more ways than one, and I salute you for that. The fact that cities like Chandler (where I live) include "creativity" and "innovation" in their daily language is impressive and a testament to the efforts of the entrepreneurs, artists and innovators that have fostered movements such as Gangplank.

Well done!

Parrish Spisz

July 19, 2011 at 11:13am

Gangplank is what I've been looking for in the way of validating the management theories of reinventing systems thinking. Speaking from the perspective of engaging community to build entrepreneurial environments and create enthusiasm, Gangplank's model is an excellent approach to achieving several goals at once.

Andrew Lenards

July 19, 2011 at 10:18am

Thanks to openness, collaboration, and chaos - Tucson has the opportunity to grow a creative and thriving community space in our town under the Gangplank banner. It has been a privilege to be involved in the early steps for Gangplank in the Old Pueblo. Thanks to Derek, Jade, Katie, Scott Henderson, Jacki Kuder, and Bookman's Entertainment Exchange.

Harold Shinsato

July 19, 2011 at 8:22am

Gangplank is not only changing the game in Arizona. I first learned about Gangplank because they hosted a "Scrum Beyond Software" open space which brought leaders from around the country who are changing the world of work - including management - through the use of the Scrum management methodology. Then seeing what astounding things they were doing at Gangplank has inspired what can be possible by changing the very concept of a company and dissolving the organizational boundaries can actually create more collaborative engagements and yes, also start new companies. We hope we can take what they've done in Arizona - and now also in Salt Lake City, and bring it to Missoula, Montana. Thank you Gangplank!

Harold Shinsato

July 19, 2011 at 8:22am

Ed Nusbaum

July 18, 2011 at 9:36pm

I've been fortunate to be part of Gangplank for nearly three years now as it has grown from an interesting experiment to something that is fundamentally changing lives, companies, and the overall community for the better. It is a crossroads and catalyst to bring out the best in people and a foundation for everyone to build upon together. Derek and Jade have created something truly unique and wonderful.

Catherine Leyen

July 18, 2011 at 9:18pm

GangplankHQ was the first of the "innovative centers" for the state. This team shares a "what can we do to help" mentality to help the little guys get started and get their ideas and businesses going. Social Media is not just about the electronic end of the internet spectrum, it is the example these game changers have brought to human relationships.

Martin Sartrane

July 18, 2011 at 9:04pm

Gangplank has transformed Phoenix. When Gangplank was initially founded, there was nothing similar going on in the state. Thanks to the connectivity and innovation that it fostered, those same ideas can now be seen in other collaborative workspaces throughout the valley. Gangplank has always been the innovator in raising Phoenix up through its creative class and continues to push the envelope.

Sammi Curless

July 18, 2011 at 8:52pm

Gangplank and its collaborative workspace will allow Avondale and the West Valley to foster its creative individuals and grow our small businesses all while injecting new thoughts and ideas into our community and schools. I really look forward to working with Gangplank and its anchors to grow Gangplank Avondale!

Katie Archer

July 18, 2011 at 6:23pm

Gangplank is amazing! It's where the most brilliant minds and creative individuals in our whole area to get together to work, create, and support others. I am thrilled and humbled to be able to work here!

Greg Taylor

July 18, 2011 at 6:12pm

My company (TMC Interactive) would not be where it is today without Gangplank. Over the last year, I have forged business and personal relationships that have been built on very simple principles: Collaboration Over Competition and Treat One Another As You Wish To Be Treated.

Personally, Gangplank is a cornerstone of my professional, personal and civic life.

Brian LaFrance

July 18, 2011 at 4:06pm

Gangplank is a pretty amazing place to work out of. Everyone there seems driven to help eachother to succeed. Seems like there are always events going on that tie into the community and a good mix of people show up to those events. I would bet that there isn't an organization in Arizona that is more likely to influence the future of the tech community in the state.

Katie Charland

July 18, 2011 at 2:12pm

It's been my pleasure to be a part of Gangplank for the past year. I knew I wanted to work for an organization that was forward-thinking, community-minded, but also willing to step on toes in the name of progress. We've seen our community step up to every challenge and have changed many lives by providing support for people to take risks. It's been a rough road, but other organizations are finally starting to realize the impact this model can have and beating down our door to bring it into their space.

Scott Yacko

July 18, 2011 at 1:36pm

I've been working out of Gangplank for about a year now and I'm still amazed by all of the great things that happen in this space. When you have this density of smart people and great ideas, innovation is a natural outcome.

Nicole Underwood

July 18, 2011 at 1:21pm

I was introduced to Gangplank earlier this year. After attending a social media lecture, hosted by Gangplank, I gained amazing social media tips and connections that transformed how my org does social media. Gankplank's eagerness to be involved made this success possible. This space is valuable to the community and a wonderful place to network with fellow creatives.

Jay Carpenter

July 18, 2011 at 12:51pm

Gangplank is a gift to entrepreneurship in Arizona.

Chris Lee

July 18, 2011 at 12:46pm

I was intrigued by Gangplank since I first heard of it. I'd been heading down here on occasion over the years and learned much and made great contacts. When we had an opportunity to sell the beautiful office condo that we owned, we jumped at the chance to move the company down here to Gangplank. Since then, we've learned a ton, helped do good and radically improved our business.

Mark Dudlik

July 18, 2011 at 12:12pm

I've worked here a few times, and with lots of the people. You can't go anywhere in AZ nowadays without someone referencing Gangplank. Good people who work hard.

Joshua Strebel

July 18, 2011 at 12:10pm

Also an original Anchor. Think of it like this.. before Gangplank the Arizona tech community was fractured and mis-aligned. The ebodiement of everyman for himself of people squabbling over their fiefdoms. Each one kicking sand trying to get some attention. After Gangplank: the city of Chandler has woken up, the entire metro region has woken up. People get it, that it cannot be about cotton and real estate any more and the future is the knowledge economy. In the height of the recession Gangplank companies as a unit were employing 50-60 high paid tech workers off millions of taxable business revenue. All from a group of rowdy, tatoo'd, ask permission later self-starters.

Tyler Hurst

July 18, 2011 at 12:07pm

I work out of here occasionally, and hold events every few weeks at night. Gangplank has given innovators a home that Phoenix has never had before.

Chase Granberry

July 18, 2011 at 12:05pm

My company works out of this space as well, and we definitely wouldn't be where we are without it!!

James Archer

July 18, 2011 at 12:02pm

My company has been working out of Gangplank for a few years now, and I can vouch for the fact that this really is a remarkable, transformative environment for economic growth. I've never seen anything like it.

Jade Meskill

July 18, 2011 at 11:58am

As a participant (and founder) of Gangplank, it is truly a gamechanger. We have seen many amazing things take shape in the Phoenix metro area since the inception of Gangplank. Bringing smart people together, dreaming big, and focusing on how to build the new economy is such an awe-inspiring thing to be involved in.