Social networks - a cognitive dissonance

Typically the term social network is connected to sites such as Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, blogs etc - whereas correct term could be digital social networks or social network areas, as they mostly are platform where social actions are exhibited. These platforms, venues differ from cognitive approaches from which communication methods are used to express on those.

I usually start telling how social networks evolved from early 70s to me - where my social network consisted people i can see; family, some others, like that funny person who lived in neighbourhood. And from there also to classmates. Also i got hints about larger network via black&white television we had at the time.

After i started to play baseball my social network extended over the borders of my suburb and town, and got to see other towns and teams we played against. This however meant mostly seeing likeminded people as playing the same sports, attended same camps etc.

Then something changed - social network extended to people i can only hear; we got a telephone, and not only that extended the social network country-wide but also internationally. Fast forward couple years and i had a computer (1982), and after couple years got a modem (300 baud) and account on computer systems which extended my social network to medium i can only read other people (no Turing tests involved). This got my social network into a digital aspect. Also included IRC etc later - with big difference on today's Facebook is that medium was trusted; one got account or access only by recommendations and this aspect has still followed into worklife where those readable bit writers are now CEOs, VPs, EVPs, entreprenours, military etc, and this is interesting aspect as network is important medium on decision making, businesses etc.

When i got drivers license my social network in analog world expanded even further - and i was even controlling it where it went, within the limitations offered by roads.

So in essence social networks can be divided on digital and analog. On medium where i can only read, see or hear the network or its participants, this also non-dependant of location. Nevertheless; if conversation happened online by writing; and you were not there to hear it - did it happen? (need to read it)

Engaging people

Engaging people.

In top of some relationship like things, the above is common leadership - method.

What does it actually mean?

For manager: others do what i vision
For leader : i am having dialogue with others what should be done. This way they feel more committed, and also this fosters unity, potential new solutions.

As the quote says:

If you want to build a ship, dont' drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders.

Instead, teach them to yearn for the wast and endless sea.

- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Influencing people.

what would batman do?


Influencing people...

Note the descriptions might or might not be fictious, i am using myself as an example - but it does not say if these have happened to me or not. Also the names have been changed where there is slight correspondence to analog world.

I am telling two different events, which show something on first part of this topic posting. Influencing is much more - takes from trend, history, character, behaviour etc and is not just observable fully on the event i am describing - situational leadership is the key. Which is reason i am continuing these.

Event 1.
Is winter, we are just about to head to present our project to big head honcho - there's some nervousness in the air (you think it is air you are breathing?). Person A approaches me wanting me to take lead on this, me replying it is not ok due that he has acted as main lead whole time, so he should keep focus on his stuff, sudden changes confuses the listener. Next i am suggested that we should make a "warplan" - which immediately sets alarm. Explanations below.

1.1 going through
The term "warplan" does not belong person A normal vocabulary - thus in this situation we are not a team/collagues anymore but i am tried to be manipulated. My interest has been long time military strategies,. So attempt to use words which are my interest is trying to engage me - problem is that this does rather the opposite due ; since we are not anymore a team but a group of people. Team goes towards common goal as colleagues. Group is individual person with or without common goal. Moreover attempt to manipulate is wrong and creates just bad.

What this should be learned upon;
for boss/manager : try to be interested on your subordinate stuff also in between similar stuff, with non-normal vocabulary you are not interested - you are trying to manipulate. nominate best person on lead from the beginning.
for subordinate : qualitative specs of your boss. Also sometimes you might observe on this that this is something he/she really wants to happen. Play accordingly.