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What can you do for us?
Nexus, Connected, Outliers, Linked, The Social Atom and Six Degrees are all books that discuss how social ties and networks affect us in ways that we can't begin to imagine. Additionally, each new study similar to Stanley Milgram's "Small World" experiment keeps academics and laypersons mesmerized at how closely we are all interconnected.
A lot of research in this field deals with how we can benefit from understanding the underlying frameworks of networks, whether it is a work organization, an institution, a social relationship, epidemiology or modes of traffic. Many of the books mentioned above were written by academics, yet at the same time they were created with popular audiences in mind. This approach, I argue, influences authors to suggest how their ideas will help improve lives. Thus, a self-help connection is present in not only books of this type but also in the interpretation by a large portion of those who buy them.
Further, it has been my experience that most of the ideas discussed around social ties and networks are issued with the intent of demonstrating how networks can be beneficial from the outside-in. For example: How to position yourself to get noticed by upper management; Associates or acquaintances can help you find a job quicker than family and friends; ‘It's not what you know, but whom you know.'
Or the advice concerning social ties may be used to convince you to stay out of trouble such as; you can avoid many hassles by choosing the proper friends. Or in some cases, you may find that you will face difficulties precisely due to who you associate with.
What I often find missing in a lot of discussions concerning social networks is a focus on how the individual can affect his network for positive change. In other words, many of us often ask how can we position ourselves so we can benefit the most and not how can others benefit by being acquainted with us.
Ponder for a moment, when is the last time you assessed all of the benefits that people get from knowing you? Further, if you have, do you keep a list handy to remind you of those benefits? It is easy, at first glance, to think that this can quickly become an egotistical exercise, but that depends upon the intention. I argue the opposite of that assumption and assert that assessing the benefits one offers to networks and people in general is a great way to learn one's strengths and weaknesses. It is also a more balanced approach in the pursuit to obtain success than to always be jockeying for position without little thought to what value you can add for others.
Regardless of one's position or station, thinking about the ways that you are of benefit to others is a great exercise to keep you moving forward. It will not only demonstrate ways you can improve the lives of others, but also your own.
Bakari Akil II, Ph.D. is the author of Pop Psychology - The Psychology of Pop Culture and Everyday Life! You can also check out his page on Twitter.
