Connect-Less

 “Well, if you are a [well-connected] man, you will [network] from morning till night. When you [wake up], you [get outside], and when [you get there, you network - you meet people and you connect with them]. You do that right straight through the day. And what’s more, no back talk. Now a [well-connected] man does just what he’s told to do, and no back talk. Do you understand that?”
—rephrased Frederick Winslow Taylor, The Principles of Scientific Management (1911)

"Selfwork", Karen Gregory; Kirsty Hendry; Jake Watts; Dave Young February 02, 2017
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 chance we have to get work and gigs. Your success and wellbeing depends on how connected you are. The more, the merrier. 

However, some might feel the pressure of constant networking and being out there. The fear of missing out. The opportunities never reached. All the anxiety that may bring. 
In this silly exercise you and your partner will explore ways to connect to other well-connected creatures like you (either circles or squares). And to reflect on all of this in a simple conversation while doing some simple lines. However, you networks might collide. You must not cross any other connection (line) and find your way around them. You must connect as much as possible.

Rules:

● a game for two or three;

● each of the players have one turn to connect two symbols of the same type;

● when you connect the symbols, you should create clean line that does not touch anything else besides the two connecting symbols;

● you are not allowed to cross another connection either;

● your goal is to connect as many symbols as possible.

A game for 2:

A game for 3:

End of game:

● the game ends when you are not able to connect your symbol to another one without crossing any line or touching any other element on the page;

● the winner is the one who has less connections than the other. #plottwist

Reflection questions:

How to enjoy playing this game? Take a beer or a glass of wine and sit down with your friend/s. Print it on a A3 paper and start connecting the symbols you have selected. Whilst doing that, you can also discuss the following:

♟ Is your work dependant on networking?

♟ Yes? How?

♟ How do you feel about networking?

♟ How important is networking for you?

♟ How are social connections important in your personal life?

♟ Is it ok for you if you are not super connected to many people? How do you network then?

♟ What is your way to find work? Or to connect to others?

♟ Does networking bring any challenges for you?

♟ What do you think about taking some time for yourself and not take every networking opportunity?

♟ Would you like to ask your game partner anything?