Do You Have These Four Types of Connections?

There is something about Seinfeld.

Everyday conversations, everyday people and everyday issues that we might be thinking but don't often say out loud. Take for example, the "worlds collide" episode. George, Jerry and Elaine are all friends. George is dating Susan. Jerry suggests that Elaine call Susan so they can go a show together. Innocuous enough, right? Not to George! After all, when worlds collide they blow up.

We all nod our heads in understanding. Why? Because the notion of a connection being in a certain compartment makes sense to us. Our brains like order and process. In reality, however, those compartment walls are not solid, and there is opportunity for fluidity in connection. For instance, have you ever had a coworker that became a close family friend? Or perhaps someone with whom you were inseparable, and you grew apart? Connections grow and change over time, just as we do.

In order to have a robust connection life, we need different types of connections. Here are four that are the most common (please note, this may be different from the definition in the dictionary):

While the roles can be seen as separate, they are often combined in our connections.

Acquaintances: Think of these individuals as your "outer circle" connections. You may have met them in passing, at an event, or through mutual friends online. You may know some high level information about them (i.e. where they are from, where they work, etc.), but you may not feel comfortable giving them a reference for a job.

Allies: These individuals represent those you have experienced life with. They know you on a deeper level, and may even be aware of the things you keep from others. These individuals would protect you. You can trust them, they are on your side.

Advocates: The Latin root indicates that an advocate is one who "adds" a "voice". These individuals add a voice of support, and can be called upon for reference.

Ambassadors: These individuals actively look for opportunities to represent you in a positive way. The key here is active, as an advocate may step in when needed situationally and an ambassador is "always on."

While each connection plays a different role, this is a situation where worlds absolutely collide. I met a young woman names Alisha in a career development session who was looking to expand her experiences beyond her role in finance. We talked about her background, and I realized her experience was strongly aligned to an open role in HR. I facilitated a meeting with the hiring manager and recommended Alisha to the role. I was an acquaintance/advocate.

My mother is a notorious ally/ambassador. Once you are in her circle, she will constantly think of ways to elevate you, bring you new opportunities for advancement and find ways to connect you to others who can further you personally and professionally. It's one of the traits I love most about her as she believes in connecting for the sake of connecting, with no thought to how it benefits her. She often tells me:

"You can be a key or you can be a bridge. Why not be both?"

Our world is constantly shrinking as technology and opportunity allow us to connect. Here is to world's colliding, and the new connections it will inevitably bring.