You can apply some of the ideas about computer networks to make this process more efficient. Consider it as a type of network diagram. Assume that each line represents a relationship between two people. Note that the people in your department tend to know each other and that the people in the accounting department also tend to know each other. That is typical.

Now, suppose you are at the weekly employee after$-$hours party and you have an opportunity to introduce yourself either to Linda or Eileen. Setting aside personal considerations and thinking just about network building, which person should you meet?

If you introduce yourself to Linda, you shorten your pathway to her from two steps to one and your pathway to Shawna from three to two. You do not open up any new channels because you already have channels to the people on your floor.

$6\mathrm{.}5-4$ Full Alternative Text

However, if you introduce yourself to Eileen, you open up an entirely new network of acquaintances. So$,$ considering just network building, you use your time better by meeting Eileen and other people who are not part of your current circle. It opens up many more possibilities.

The connection from you to Eileen is called a weak tie in social network theory,$**$ and such links are crucial in connecting you to everyone in six degrees. In general, the people you know the least contribute the most to your networkPeople in Accounting

People in Your Department. $1$ Give an example of a network to which you belong and sketch a diagram of who knows whom for six or so members of that group.

$2$ Recall a recent social situation and identify two people, one of whom could have played the role of Linda $($someone in your group whom you do not know$)$ and one of whom could have played the role of Eileen $($someone in a different group whom you do not know$).$ How could you have introduced yourself to each person?