Alliances
The Real Way to Build a Social Network
This article introduced me to a new way of looking at networking and relationships. I'm particularly struck by the terms "allies" and "alliances". These along with weak ties give us common terms of reference on the construct and value of networks. Here is a taste, "An alliance is when a co-worker needs last-minute help on Sunday night preparing for a Monday morning presentation, and even though you're busy, you agree to go over to his house and help. You cooperate and sacrifice because you want to help a friend in need but also because you figure you'll be able to call on him in the future when you are the one in a bind. That isn't being selfish; it's being human." I'm not sure I agree we cooperate because we expect the favor to be returned, but it often is. I suspect true friends and true allies don't keep score, but overall the article provides some excellent ideas and insights. The picture below is from the article and provided for the enjoyment of my son-in-law.
This article introduced me to a new way of looking at networking and relationships. I'm particularly struck by the terms "allies" and "alliances". These along with weak ties give us common terms of reference on the construct and value of networks. Here is a taste, "An alliance is when a co-worker needs last-minute help on Sunday night preparing for a Monday morning presentation, and even though you're busy, you agree to go over to his house and help. You cooperate and sacrifice because you want to help a friend in need but also because you figure you'll be able to call on him in the future when you are the one in a bind. That isn't being selfish; it's being human." I'm not sure I agree we cooperate because we expect the favor to be returned, but it often is. I suspect true friends and true allies don't keep score, but overall the article provides some excellent ideas and insights. The picture below is from the article and provided for the enjoyment of my son-in-law.
One thing's for sure - Settlers of Catan is no way to win friends or influence people!
I too believe that sacrifice for others is often ultimately self-interested, but that doesn't necessarily mean it isn't genuine sacrifice.
If I help a buddy or a co-worker by giving him access to my unique resources and he later gives me access to his, the exchange is likely not a zero-sum game; that is, the partnership can work just like a healthy trading relationship where I have enough bananas to sink a ship, but I want access to my hungry trading partner's water supply - we're both better off.
The skilled networker thinks in terms of how he can complement others and by complemented by them.
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Is that guy playing Settler's, it's true that game does cause you to make alliances, but usually I just try to lose as quick as possible so I can stop playing
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