Current systems don't take into account the energy in human systems.
Twenty years ago, I coined a term to talk about the effects of this situation: "energy vampires." Time and time over, I've observed (and proven in business) that when things go bad, it's because energy doesn't circulate at all.
What and therefore who sucks energy? Systems and what they prevent. Because of how they're designed. Here's how:
- The efficient forced self-administered customer service (and therefore an additional fee or energy tax on customers)
- Technology with poor user experience (to save money, there is no service)
- Media demand for attention without adding value
- Politics disembodied from knowledge, conscience, and ethics
- Business operating systems which (except in rare cases) cannot function sustainably
Notice what all of these have in common? They are "systems" programmed by business schools and management consultancies. Systems that do not take into account human energy for their existence and maintenance. This is the problem.
Ceding control to these systems is how we lost beauty, love, trust, care, and connection. The only way to sanity seems to be to subtract yourself as much as possible from current systems as best you can. But not everyone has the luxury of doing that.
You can take control back. Few things give you more joy than doing a good deed. Often that goodness comes from introducing someone to something or someone else, and that someone else doing the same... and so on.
Connection is how we transform businesses and institutions. Individuals, groups and communities need that transformation to thrive. How we work together is a renewable form of energy: the customer service person who goes off script to help, the tech team that implements feedback, emerging media, politics that bridge the gap between talk and walk.
Business can be a force for positive impact. Connection is what. All of us is who. Here are some hows:
(1.) You can make a difference, trust in your power
In case you were wondering if this is only touchy-feely, look at how Dana White built a UFC empire out of his desire to connect with fans.
(2.) Think knowledge as a service
it's an overused expression, it really does apply. We live in a remix culture, where individuals, industries, and media will thrive by allowing the exchange of ideas. That's where new connections are made.
(3.) Learn to take small risks
This is what passion is all about. Creating new habits involves exploring new territory.
(4.) Make a point with your view
Put substance behind the approach. Do your homework, be prepared to defend and discuss a topic intelligently and willingly.
(5.) Keep your promises
This is valid at individual and organizational level. Coming through, following up helps you maintain integrity of purpose and build credibility. If I were to give you just one piece of advice, this would be it.
(6.) Find new words
if what you're saying doesn't work, assume it's because your question, request, or inquiry was not clear to the recipient. Look for an example, a story, some other way to make it easier to understand.
(7.) Demonstrate your serious
Whether it's support, empathy, or active listening, actually demonstrating it is a faster route than a few well-practiced words. Non verbal language works wonderfully here. Online is action and not words.
(8.) Connect actively
if needs be, do it then and there. Forward the message, make the introduction, help people see what they have in common, draw them together.
(9.) Write it down
inevitably, you will get ideas in the course of connecting. Make sure you have a way to capture them - I still do it the 1.0 way, on notepads.
(10.) Let them know you thought of them
This is the nice touch that takes very little time. Depending upon your relationship stage and communication channels open, find ways to show you noticed or thought of someone habitually.
(11.) Be present to opportunities
Rome wasn't in a day, as the expression goes. but it's enough to be alert to see an opportunity when it presents itself.
(12.) Think beyond your close circle
Weak ties, strong ties, we're all in some ways connected to each other by our shared humanity.
The stories in this week's edition captures more nuance and insight around these ideas.
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