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Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Nov 13, 2023 30m 8s 7 insights
<p><em>Cheers </em>was a sitcom hit in the 80s thanks to a theme tune promising that the fictional bar was a place "where everybody knows you name". Venues like pubs - away from our homes and workplaces - are vital for building our social networks and making our lives richer, easier and more fun.  </p> <p>But these so-called "Third Places" are in danger. Neighborhood hangouts are closing and membership of clubs, associations and unions is falling. Harvard political scientist Robert Putnam has been watching this worrying decline across a lifetime and warns that we need to act before it's too late.  </p> <p>Robert is author of<em> Bowling Alone</em>: <em>The Collapse and Revival of American Community </em>and <em>The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again. </em>He also inspired the 2023 film <em>Join or Die</em>. </p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
Actionable Insights

1. Become an Active Community Joiner

Actively seek out and join local clubs, groups, or associations, as this is crucial for rejuvenating community, personal happiness, and the overall health of society. The decline of ’third places’ (non-home, non-work social spaces) is leading to a social isolation crisis, and joining helps build essential social capital.

2. Prioritize Real-World Socializing

Reduce time spent on passive activities like watching TV or engaging in ‘junk social interaction’ online, and instead, physically go out to form community with local people. Online and parasocial interactions do not provide the nourishing, trustworthy, and full experience of community found in real-life third places.

3. Start New Community Groups

If there isn’t an obvious group or ’third place’ to sign up for in your area, put in the work to start one yourself. This grassroots effort is essential for planting ‘a thousand different seeds’ of new ways of being in a community spirit and rebuilding social capital.

4. Invest in Social Infrastructure

Cities and governments should take seriously and invest in social infrastructure like libraries, parks, and plazas, as these facilities are crucial for building and marshalling social capital for community purposes. This investment facilitates the informal social interactions necessary for a well-functioning and happier community.

5. Ask Strong Questions

Develop the skill of asking really strong questions, as this is described as a ‘superpower’ for iconic leaders. This skill is vital for understanding and growing companies to incredible heights.

6. Seek Radical Differentiation

Aim to show up with something ‘radically different’ in your endeavors. This approach is highlighted by iconic leaders as a way to grow companies to incredible heights.

7. Embrace Greater Risks

Understand and embrace that the greatest rewards in business and life always come from the greatest risks. This mindset encourages bold action to achieve significant success.