Connectors manage to occupy diverse worlds |
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Outside the work place: 'The point about Connectors is that by having a foot in so many different worlds, they have the effect of bringing them all together.' (MG, 51) » Connectors are 'social glue.' |
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'At work, Connectors are the people who foster innovation by bringing together a range of thoughts and thinkers. They work across functional lines to create a culture of collaboration.' (LD, 14) |
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Connectors master the 'weak tie' |
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Friendly acquaintances can become his/her best resource in business development |
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The farther out of the network the more valuable in establishing a new connection |
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Connectors become the go-to person 'It's not who you know, it's who knows you ... ' (Nancy Dunleavy, Connector 2006) |
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It's about trust, and all of these other attributes that a Connector brings to personal and business relationships (connectors are 'trusted advisors' not collectors of business cards) |
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It's all about attitude: |
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'Connectors can be agents of change because of their appetite for the new, their ability to articulate a compelling vision, and their confidence that their actions drive results.' (LD, 114) |
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'Part of what it means to have a powerful or persuasive personality, then, is that you can draw others into your own rhythms and dictate the terms of the interaction.' (MG, 83) |
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'If you think you can- or, you think you can't, you are absolutely correct'- Henry Ford |
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Connectors are the eternal optimists |
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Bring an optimistic view about people's potential and their ability to rise to expectations |
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'...Connectors create contagious enthusiasm, which inspires others to achieve more than they thought possible' (LD, 75) |
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A micromanaging mentality decreases team energy and enthusiasm- connectors function like the energizer bunnies in teams |
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In a professional setting, connectors move conversations and vocabulary away from barriers, obstacles, negatives » create and seize on opportunities to create positive moments with others |
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'Commit to being a positive voice for the work that you do. If it is a project, identify, emphasize, and reinforce its merit.' (LD, 82) |
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Connectors are the 'positive pragmatists' - always focusing on what works instead of what does not |
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Connectors take care of their relationships |
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Good stewards of the relationships they have created or fostered |
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'Connectors are willing to give more than they receive in a given interaction...a reputation for being generous gets your call returned.' (LD, 81) |
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'Business goes where it is invited and stays where it is taken care o£' (Hugh Long, Regional President of Community Banking, Wachovia) |
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Be consistent in your follow-up: a Connector does not (and cannot) shy away from the obligation that a connection requires...DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU'RE GOING TO DO!! (enough said ...) |
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Connectors are 'other-oriented', not self-serving |
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Other oriented strategy: 'Daily exercise for your ASK muscle' (Nancy Dunleavy) |
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'One of the great strengths and key traits of a true Connector is his/her skill at 'pulling together the right people and then getting out of the way.' (LD, 51) |
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'Real Connectors are about 'connecting' people, not 'collecting' people. This is not about self-interest. It's about trust.' (David Thornburgh, ED, The Fels Institute, University of Pennsylvania) |
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Because acquaintances outside your usual and comfortable circle are so important (especially in business development), maintain an open-minded and inclusive attitude |
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Operate on the belief that you can learn something from everyone, and that, accordingly, everyone deserves your attention (rank is not important) |
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It is always worth it to make that little extra effort to lift someone's spirits Constant customer service attitude (be alert for opportunities to make genuine compliments) |
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Listen well and remember people's answers (this also builds a wealth of knowledge which you can use to bring people together) |
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Strive to make others feel better about themselves as a result of their contact with you and you will earn the reputation of making others look good |