We all read it: "Why Networks Matter" by Manuel Castells. They exist for sharing, for finding common ground with our peers, but most of all, networks exist for:
POWER.
Yep, I said it. And so did Manuel Castells. We all know its true. At the end of the day, the traditional network is less about friendships and more about the what can be gained from them. More often than not they provide opportunities, not intimacy.
Mr. Castells defines this power as "specific configurations of...networks that express dominant interests and values, but whose actors and forms can change."
Enter Joseph Smith, circa 1830.
"There must be a church formed." --He says to Joseph Knight Sr., an early supporter of the young prophet.
Joseph Smith's creation of the LDS church provided an interesting perspective on networking and the power of the network. Just as Castells defined a 'powerful network' as a configuration that expresses dominant interests and values, Smith formed his network based on these principles. The LDS church is one of the most formidable organizations of the last century, and its power lies in its network.
Early in church history, Joseph Smith and the other founders focused on individuals working together in faith to not only explore their own identity and strengths, but to identify such strengths in others. Smith utilized the strengths of those close to him to progress the work, and continued to encourage those around him to do the same.
Joseph Smith also had enough foresight to discern the importance of what Castells identifies as a network where "actors and forms can change." Smith established a system where power, people, and ideas could transfer from one generation to another in a system that was sustainable beyond him, and even his immediate predecessors.
So when we look at the church-- the ultimate network-- we can easily see: power and networks are good, but only when in the hands of good people. We have the opportunity to do what Joseph Smith did and either form shallow networks based off of exploitation, or a network like that of the church that focuses on celebrating our own strengths and identifying similar strengths in others.
Over and out.
--C
I really liked where you went with this topic. Who would have ever thought that Joseph Smith was such a good networker? He was powerful though in several aspects of his life. Does it take a powerful person to be a good networker? Maybe a dumb question but I feel like not everyone has the ability to network well, that it takes a specific style and type of personality.
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