The primary purpose of the Cohere Project (and podcast) is to explore the future of human networks, especially tools that increase human and group agency in a network. I believe Nilofer Merchant's concept of "Onlyness' is one such tool. We discuss Onlyness, and much more, in one of the most fun, informative and unfiltered conversations we've had on the Cohere podcast. Nilofer Merchant is a pioneer in the use of social technologies and has written extensively about how businesses can leverage social networks and communities to shape strategy, improve performance and become more purposeful. In her new book "The Power of Onlyness", Nilofer brings forward the idea of Onlyness as a means of claiming your distinct place in the world and using networks as a catalyst for actualizing your purpose. In this episode of the Cohere Podcast, Nilofer and I discuss: The evolution of social media Managing corporate innovation and the role of communities The concept of Onlyness, as it relates to "you, us and together" How your network shapes your self-image, role, and personal agency The natural reaction of hierarchies to resist networks The benefits of taking a radically different path Resources: - Book - Book - Book
