Realizing Power of "Onlyness" Through Networks with Nilofer Merchant
Mar 14, 2020
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Nilofer Merchant, a pioneer in social technologies, discusses the concept of 'Onlyness'. They explore the evolution of social media, managing corporate innovation, and the role of communities. The discussion also covers the challenges of networks, the benefits of taking a different path, and the importance of personal fitness and freedom in networks.
Collaborative networks and the concept of 'onlyness' can lead to greater innovation and problem-solving by valuing diverse perspectives and challenging traditional hierarchies.
Building genuine connections within networks based on trust and shared goals is crucial for effective collaboration and creating positive change.
Deep dives
The Power of Networks and Onlyness in Business and Innovation
The podcast episode explores the concept of networks and the power of individual uniqueness, or 'onlyness', in business and innovation. The guest, Nilofer Merchant, discusses how collaborative networks can lead to greater innovation and problem-solving by bringing together diverse perspectives within organizations. She emphasizes the importance of valuing the ideas and contributions of every member in the network, rather than relying solely on traditional hierarchies and titles. Merchant also highlights the transformative potential of social media and networks in shaping every part of the value chain and fostering collaboration between customers, partners, and employees. Overall, the episode prompts listeners to rethink traditional notions of power and hierarchy in order to build new communities and create positive change.
Building Trust and Identifying the Right Networks
Merchant encourages individuals to find and evaluate the right networks to participate in, based on shared interests and trust. She suggests that sharing ideas and following others on social media platforms can provide valuable insights into their perspectives and interests over time, helping to build trust and understanding. By tracking the evolution of someone's ideas and beliefs, individuals can determine if there is alignment and a sense of trustworthiness. Merchant also highlights the importance of taking the time to build genuine connections within networks, fostering relationships based on trust, common goals, and the ability to lean on each other. This process of building trust and connections is crucial for effective collaboration and creating positive change.
Freedom and Personal Fitness in Networks
Merchant challenges the notion of personal fitness in networks and instead explores the concept of freedom. She suggests that freedom involves being present in oneself and recognizing that every individual already has inherent value and the ability to contribute. This freedom transcends mental, physical, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions, allowing individuals to show up authentically and fully. Merchant also emphasizes the importance of organizational freedom, where businesses create an environment that enables every member to contribute their ideas and perspectives, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. By embracing freedom in networks, both at the individual and organizational level, new possibilities for growth and transformation can emerge.
Changing Digital Culture with Empowering Ideas
Using a hypothetical magic wand, Merchant shares her vision for changing digital culture. She wishes for individuals to recognize their inherent value and realize that they have the ability to contribute without the need for external validations. She also wants organizations to open their eyes to the untapped potential of their employees, and to create environments that empower and enable individuals to freely contribute their ideas. Merchant believes that by embracing these changes, both individuals and organizations can unlock new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and positive change.
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
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