Did you know? It’s been proven that people who experience more tiny interactions are healthier and happier. These tiny interactions can also be referred to as “weak ties”, a concept first introduced by sociologist and professor, Mark Granovetter. In his 1973 paper, he noted that while strong ties like family relationships are critical for emotional support, weak or more casual ties are valuable in terms of providing access to opportunities outside your own circle. How interesting! I also see the power of tiny interactions in creating a sense of belonging in our day-to-day life.
Goodness comes from weak ties.
Tiny interactions that can be forgotten almost as quickly as they happened, have far more impact that we might think! Professionally, Granovetter observed them bridging networks, people and information. Socially, I see two priceless benefits:
- Weak ties connect people who share less in common. While strong ties are developed through meaningful commonalities in values or demographics, weak ties connect folks from different social circles. This broadens our world view, helping us see and understand perspectives different from our own.
- Those diverse connections are nourishing, and in fact, are part of why it’s so much fun to go to work. They enable us to feel connected to a vibrant, interesting community. At VML, we recently remodeled our Playa Vista office to become more of a WPP campus, which has created more buzz and excitement than ever before!
In discussing this concept with my friend Alex Lubar recently, he beautifully called them “fleeting engagements” and helped me crystallize my POV. Thanks, friend!
Does that mean strong ties are bad?
Absolutely not! Strong ties are the ones we lean on in crisis, the trusted voices we go to for advice in life’s most stretching moments. They are valued, close relationships, often forged over years of shared experience.
Yet, it’s helpful to be aware that networks of strong ties can also be limiting. We may see the world through a biased view, reinforced by the similar voices around us. You see, there is the dangerous tendency to seek out people and information that affirm our existing beliefs, and strong ties can serve this purpose.
On the other hand, a larger, more diverse social network is more likely to serve up opposing views, challenging our belief system and encouraging more critical thinking.
StanfordReport says it well: “The more homophilic a society is, the greater the resulting inequality and lack of social mobility can be.”
How to nurture those tiny interactions.
So, you’re thinking you want to diversify your interactions. Perhaps you seek a more heterogenous community, or are experiencing loneliness. How do you get started?
- Initiate a new routine. I have two dogs and walk the same routes every day – so I see the same neighbors every day. But last weekend, I started winding new roads and met some interesting new people. So try taking a different route in your daily travels. By the way, if you don’t have dogs, consider rescuing one – they bring so much joy to the home and also serve as the perfect social lubricant!
- Settle down in a public space. Last week, my dogs resisted going back into the house after a walk, so I sat on my front lawn. I met loads of neighbors and plan to sit out front more often! Maybe you don’t have a lawn – settle in at a local coffee shop with a book and extra-large latte.
- Pack up and give away leftovers. I’ve gotten to know some lovely people this way. It costs nothing to ask a restaurant to box up leftovers, and feels great when we can open the car window and give it to someone who could use it.
- Volunteer. Noticeboards in your coffee shop, library or grocery store often seek volunteers for local events. What a great way to contribute and meet people in your community!
- Smile. A Travelodge survey showed that nearly half of those surveyed have become kinder post-COVID, and 42% of adults stated that that when a stranger does something nice unexpectedly, it makes their day extra special. In fact, random acts of kindness are contagious, so catalyze a movement today and discover the power of tiny interactions this week!