Tag: Opinion

Are You a Connector or Separator?

A connector is somebody who freely makes and takes introductions.  A separator is somebody who actively tries to drive a wedge between relationships. 

Connectors broker relationships because they intelligent discourse among smart people.

Everybody wants to view themselves as connectors as it feels magnanimous, friendly and congenial.  But how many introductions have you made this month? How many unsolicited recommendations have you written and done so without demanding credit for it ? Connectors do what they do to make the world a closer knit and open place.

Conversly, do you speak negatively about people not around to defend themselves?  Do you try to discredit people?  If so, you are likely a separator and the world needs less of your type… but the good news is you can change. 

The next time you’re asked for an intro between two people with whom you have respect, make it.  Set up a mentoring session for somebody in your organization. Make a connection between people who have a common interest.  People will remember it and will at some point repay the favor to the world.  Even if they don’t connect you to somebody, they will be more likely connect two people down the road.

Entitlement or Disloyalty in the NFL

Sundays are for football.

This season in the NFL seems to have hit a high (or low depending on how you look at things) related to players demanding trades, skipping practice or for the infantile behavior when things don’t go their way. 

Generally in conversations, people seem aligned with the with the notion that some NFL players are acting a touch entitled.  Many would argue that these players make enough money and should be happy they are getting paid so handsomely for playing football.  I wouldn’t make that argument as players provide a service that generates revenue.  Owners pay what they feel is fair market value for the outcomes they, in part, drive… this is another argument for another day.

My concern is that these players who say they have a problem with ownership, the franchise, the NFL or a litany of other issues are actually quitting on their team members.  When talks of trade start taking place around these players, Should players from other teams join together and ostracize the players who have already shown that they are disloyal to team members? Would that create a positive change.