A game about networking: a playful critical reflection on the self-improving and productive act of connecting with others in order to advance in your career and get access to work and money.

The concept of meaningful work derailed outside the working hours and is haunting each moment of our lives - professional and personal.

Over the course of a Century the way we work, connect and rest changed remarkably.

At first, we tried to make each working minute productive by improving the process and production line.

Later, the need to be productive collided with the need to develop a professional career with which we identify ourselves.

Of course, our efforts to be better and improve ourselves slowly went outside our professional life (and the working hours).

The boundaries between personal and professional, between work and leisure became blurrier and blurrier for various jobs and professions.

Networking is quite crucial for our work and success, isn't it?

The better we are connected, the more opportunities we have. The more opportunities we get, the more chances we have to get work.

Your success and wellbeing depend on how connected you are. The more, the merrier.

However, some of us might feel the pressure to network constantly and to be out there to look for opportunities.

The fear of missing out. The regret about opportunities never reached and taken. All the anxiety that those thoughts may bring.

In this silly game you and your partner(s) will explore ways to connect to other well-connected creatures like you (by each of you choosing one shape such as circle, square or triangle).

Whilst playing, you are invited to reflect on the need for networking and social work connections. Have a simple conversation while doodling.

Let's start: check out the rules of the game!

1) Pick up a board for two or three players depending on how many you are.

2) Each of you picks up one symbol (circle, square, triangle).

3) Each player takes one turn one after another: with each turn connect two of your chosen symbols on the board and answer one of the reflection questions.

The second player does the same, but can also already respond to what player one said.

When everyone takes their first turn, they continue the line from the symbol they ended at the previous turn. Thus, you are already connecting a chain of your symbols.

4) In order to connect your symbols, you should doodle a line between them. That line is not allowed to touch any other lines or symbols other than the two symbols it's connecting.

5) You are not allowed to cross another connection either.

The game ends for each player when they are stuck and not being able to connect any more symbols without crossing a line or touching other symbols or the borders of the board.

When that happens for one player of two, the game ends. The one who cannot connect more loses the game. When the players are three, the other two players can continue until another one gets stuck in the same way.

The winner is the one who is still able to connect more symbols. If you touch other lines, symbols or the border of the game board whilst you are drawing your line, you lose the game immediately.

What if the winner is the one who is the first to leave the game? #PlotTwist! What would that change in the game? And what in the real life?

How to enjoy playing this game? Get a drink and sit down with your friend(s). Pick a board and start connecting the symbols you have selected. Whilst doing that, let's talk about connections:

What is networking for you?

Is your work(life) dependent on networking? If yes, how?

How do you feel about networking?

How important is networking for you personally?

How are social connections important in your personal life?

How do you network?

Is it ok for you if you are not super connected to many people?

What is your way to finding work?

What is your way to connect to others?

Does networking bring any challenges for you?

What does a networking opportunity mean to you?

How do you feel when you are unable to take a networking opportunity?

Would you like to ask your game partner anything else about networking and social connections?