I have long been a fan of Malcolm Gladwell’s book Tipping Point, in particular, the “Connectors, Mavens and Salesmen” chapter where he talks about different personality types that impact social change.
So imagine my delight when I met Erica Dhawan the author of Get Big Things Done: The Power of Connectional Intelligence, with co-author Saj-nicole A. Joni.
They have spent years delving into research about what they term “connectional intelligence” — arguably the most important skill currency of the 21st century.
In this conversation, Erica and I discuss:
- 3 types of connectors — Thinkers, Enablers and Connection Executors
- How people are using connectional intelligence to solve complex problems and start movements
- How organizations can develop connectional intelligence
Excerpts from our conversation:
“A lot has changed since Gladwell his book came out in 2006. When he framed that term (connector), he framed that there were three personality traits: Connector, Maven and Salesman that play a central role in the creation of social epidemics. From my research, to be successful, to get noticed, to start a movement, we ALL are entering the category of Connector. The question is not if we are connectors, but which type of connectors are we?”
You can connect with Erica Dhawan here: http://ericadhawan.com or Twitter @EDhawan
Buy the book on Amazon: Get Big Things Done
Download the podcast from this http://traffic.libsyn.com/escapefromcubiclenation/Pam__Erica_-take_2.mp3
Or play it here:
Just subscribed to your podcast on iTunes, Pam. Didn’t know you have one. And you don’t podcast often, do you?
Hi Lucy!
Yes, believe it or not, I have had a podcast for 6 years! I have been inconsistent in publishing, but am undertaking a bit of a rebrand, and have a plan to provide more regular content. Thanks for tuning in!
-Pam
I really enjoyed this interview! I love the idea of reframing the talent model, and the ways connecting and innovating can lead to these huge positive changes.
Thanks for the great resource!
Katie
I was big fan of the book.
I was excited to find this interview.
Thank you!