Etiqueta: community

Networks: Strong and weak ties

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In the next two posts we will look at two different types of network connections, strong and weak ties. Just an overview at their main characteristics, strengths and weaknesses.

Let’s start by the ones that might appear as more powerful, useful. The strong ones.

Definition: invisible bonds that make us feel a sense of belonging. The more stronger the tie connecting two individuals, the more similar they are.

Also identifiable as: Community, cluster, team.

Relationship between nodes: socially involved (Friends), family.

Likely to find in them: Low level of new information, possibilities or new opportunities. Overlap of between the info handled by two nodes with strong ties.

Easy way to «use» them: in search for support, the need to reinforce our opinion, thoughts or decisions.

It’s important to have strong ties, but they can not be the only ones to have. What happens when we look for a change, for a different approach?

Will the strong ties have the tools to help us?

Having a lot of strong nodes, does not guarantee success. It can be a lot of the same, if we always go around with the same people, who are friend, who get along with each other, what changes can there be for us? In all likelihood, very few.

When you look for a change to who do you go first? Do you get the results you expect? Yes, no, don’t know?

To help you with that we should explore the power of weak ties. And after that, look at our own connection network to see what distribution we have between strong and weak ties.

 

 

Note: based on the lecture of Granovetter 1983 («The Strength of Weak Ties: A Network Theory Revisited»).

Thanks Luis for sharing with me amazing food for thought.

Building community

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Photo by Josh Sorenson from Pexels

Definition of community: the condition of sharing or having certain attitudes and interests in common.

It doesn’t appear by magic. You create a community around something when you believe in it and focus on it with effort, consistency, dedication.

In Bruce Springsteen’s memoir we find an interesting fragment. After recording Born to Run, the E Street Band is about to give their first concert in London, abroad, first step out of their USA comfort zone. Here is what he says, his thoughts at that time:

«It’s Showtime. The audience seems reticent, the room feels uneasy. That’s my responsibility. You’ve got to let the audience feel that they’re coolly within your hands. That’s how you help them feel safe and free to let themselves go, to find whatever they’ve come looking for…». «Right now, I can feel myself caring too much, thinking too much about…»

That was the beginning of everything, of what he is today, what he has built along years. This is how he created a kind of community around music.

Recipe for a successful «sense of community:

Ingredients:

  • Care
  • Preparation
  • Caution
  • Respect
  • Confidence
  • Values

Instructions:

  1. Select the audience you feel your talents deserve
  2. Get ready, learn, be prepared for the next show
  3. Perspire, transmit with every action what you have learned, what matters to you (Values) and what you are able to do
  4. Don’t rush. Be confident. Be wary
  5. Go on, even more when you feel the stinch of fear
  6. Build that space where people will feel free to share, express their concerns

Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and follow the instructions over and over again. Do not skip any step. The product is awesome, you will have built your community, where people will be eager to progress, move one step away from their comfort zone.

It is a slightly different formula for The Boss, but it works the same way. There is a special bond between him and some of the cities he visits. Able to create a special atmosphere at his concerts, where the public is part of a unique event.

Believe, work hard and you put your soul in what you do. You will succeed, eventually.