Introduction to the EXCELerate modules and tools

Time estimate: 11 Minutes

Download and open your Conexus template and allow yourself 10 minutes to work through the first step of the tool: Mapping your core, inner, and outer network.

• Your core network includes people that are closest to you. According to Dunbar’s Circle of Acquaintances, most people have approx. 5 people in their support network and 15 in their sympathy group making a core network.

• Your inner network includes people that have a strong influence on you. According to Dunbar’s Circle of Acquaintances, most people have approx. 50 people in their close network.

• Your outer network includes all weak-ties in your social capital. According to Dunbar’s Circle of Acquaintances, most people tend to have 150+ in this circle.

Remember network connections are on an emotional level rather than a physical level. Stronger ties are to people we trust and like, they influence us to a higher degree than weaker-tie connections. Through a relationship tie, we share information and collaborate.

Example

For example, I might add the names of my mentors, successors, coaches, change relevant members of my family and friends to the core. I then might write down the names of close peers, directs, managers, and local influencers into my inner network and lastly, add the names of change relevant professional contacts across the organisation or industry, first degree LinkedIn connections, etc to the outer network.

Once your three network circles are completed proceed to the next three steps.