Together: The importance of connection, structure and group size - Insights from Shopify

We closed the CAIS Heads and Chairs conference with an illuminating talk by Toby Shannan from Shopify.

Toby shared his thoughts on culture, strategy - but perhaps most importantly, his thoughts on ‘structure.’

Here is the central question Toby asked and the reflections he inspired:

What does size have to do with engagement?

This question first took me to on of Dr. Collett’s contemplation: “Are we getting too big?”

* In the context of Rundle, I’m left with a feeling of optimism that we continue to embrace the ‘small’ in our classrooms, staff rooms and parent communities.  Our structures allow for the ‘scaling of small,’ and this is one thing I love about our school.

* For backup on the concept and how we deploy it at Rundle, it’s worth looking into ‘Dunbar’s Number’ for current research and insights.

A quote Toby left us with was:

“Selfishness beats altruism within groups.  Altruistic groups beat selfish groups. Everything else is commentary…”
David Sloan Wilson, an Evolutionary Biologist

If we can internalize this sentiment and deploy it in our classrooms, schools and communities - I’m certain we’ll continue to build great organizations that will go onto support students who are ready to take on the exciting future that lies ahead.



Comments