How to be a Player in The Connection Economy

The mechanistic (top-down) paradigm of the industrial growth economy served a purpose - economic growth at all costs. We're now starting to see the limitations of this system or way of looking at the world.

As populations grow, we have to work harder to extract more resources to fuel this model of economic growth. But we live on a finite planet - presently we are operating at 2 and a half times the earth's capacity to sustain us. The military industrial complex, this mechanistic world-view has run out of purpose. It merely serves continued disconnection and separation.

It says, I'm willing to cut down huge portions of the Amazon rain forest, killing hundreds of thousands of indigenous species in the process, so long as I can make a profit. Or, I'm willing to drop bombs on innocent people's head's from drones controlled remotely, so long as I can make a profit.

The connection economy understands that we are all connected and form an integral part of the larger way systems operate. Creative, inspiring, dynamic, inter-connected systems (like the ones found in nature) thrive holistically.

To play in the connection economy requires understanding the inter-connected way systems and people operate. Strike up strong relationships with people who have similar interests, talents, values or vision to yours. Come together on a common platform and work for the good of all involved.

Learn through action. We have no real idea of what the connection economy could look like because it hasn't been developed before and there aren't any predefined paths to take us there. We have to learn from trial and error. If you want to be a leader in the connection economy, you'll need to be highly responsive and resilient to increasingly complex and change-oriented environments.

Personal growth is integral to the connection economy. You have to constantly use a growth mindset; I messed up here, what can I do to improve next time? There's no parrot-fashion, text-book learning. Essentially you'll apply your knowledge, skills, talents - then go back to the drawing board to refine the process until you've mastered a project.

Focus in the connection economy should be on personal growth as well as highly valued and connected relationships.

Understand your current context to create your vision. Our human context is one of rapidly changing environments, systems and memes that require unique adaptability and resilience. How you go about applying such concepts to your own context is key. Only by grappling with this idea, talking about it, turning it inside-out and outside-in, can we understand our place in the connection economy.

This begs the question: how do you best encompass your unique vision, values and talents moving forward? Such concepts are critical to gaining a deeper understanding of how to apply yourself in the journey of self-discovery. The connection economy is based on a deeper understanding of self and other, as well as understanding how to relate to the greater whole.

Are you ready to be a player in the connection economy? What's your next action step? Do you need to go back to the drawing board to redefine your context first? Or, do you need some time for self-reflection to understand yourself and others better? The choice is yours. The connection economy is not shaped by limitation, scarcity or separation. The possibilities are endless. Your move.