What is the difference between an alliance and a connection?
When I was little, I spent many weeks as a guest at my grandmother's house in Taranto. Both houses had balconies overlooking internal courtyards, with clotheslines running between the buildings. After the hottest hours, the courtyard became a meeting place for the neighborhood children and the elderly ladies, who, with their chairs, chatted about the movements of the neighbors. The first time I ventured into the courtyard, I was quite scared because I didn't know anyone. I had spent weeks observing the other children to learn their names and games. I was tired of being alone.
Today, I am active on social media, participating and sharing my content. However, continuous exposure generates anxiety and frustration for me. If we set aside the performance, likes, and haters, social media is a window, similar to those courtyards. Beyond the chatter, connections are formed. Each connection becomes a crucial point in your network and helps you break out of isolation.
During a challenging phase of my career transition, I started creating connections through podcasting. It was my window into the world of work in Italy that, at that moment, felt very distant.
But after connecting, there is a need for something more to do together: creating alliances.
Creating an alliance means having a dialogue. It means building a bridge with the other person, where there is exchange and, as Treccani says, a common purpose.
You don't need to share everything; even just one goal, perhaps mutual support or cheering for each other, is enough.
Imagine creating a real bridge with all the people you are connected to, through which you can dialogue and share. Alliances can help you in many ways:
to have and provide support and solidarity. How many times have you needed it?
to initiate collaborations. After all, unity is strength, and brainstorming is definitely more fun!
to have and provide a new perspective on a theme or issue.
it can be useful for an exchange of resources and skills. You learn from others, and you can contribute your part.
For me, an alliance has an additional meaning: it's a feeling of recognition. I see you, and I am beside you.
And you, do you have more allies or more connections?
Comments