16 Connective Power

DOI: 10.4324/9781003092582-24

Finally, we would like to add connection to the list of power dimensions. The ability to connect is often neglected as a measure of an individual’s importance and it is not unusual for the word “networking” (the pursuit of connections) to evoke an involuntary sense of aversion (rather like organisational politics), evoking images of sycophancy, manipulation and the vacuous exchange of business cards. However, when pursued authentically, the art of connecting is one of the most valuable skills a leader can develop. Beyond your inner network, it is essential. A strong network provides social capital, which, as previously discussed, leverages the benefits of reciprocity, information flow, idea ...

Get Network Leadership now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.