Quiz What level are you on the Connector Spectrum

Quiz What level are you on the Connector SpectrumQuiz What level are you on the Connector SpectrumThere are levels of connectors - some are natural connectors, but not all are social butterflies and almost everyone has some connector tendencies.Whether or not we are naturally wired with all the connector attributes, the likelihood is that we have a few of them.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreHow many you access regularly influences what level of connector you are.parte I What Level of connector Are You?Answer these 10 questions and score your results to learn your current level on the Connector Spectrum. Then move on to Part II to determine if you are at your target level or what your target level should be.1. I derive personal satisfaction from creating connections or bringing people together.a) Not muchb) A littlec) Yes, though I hadnt really thought about it that wayd) Absol utely, I find it very rewarding2. How important do you believe in building new and nurturing existing connections is to your professional success?a) Not muchb) A littlec) Pretty importantd) Mission critical3. I often suggest people that my contact may want to know and initiate making an introduction.a) Rarelyb) Sometimesc) Frequentlyd) All the time4. When I make a connection, I think about and explain the benefit to both parties.a) Not usuallyb) I think about the reason but dont usually share itc) I think about and share the reason for one party but not bothd) I always consider the benefits to both and explain in the introduction5. Typically when I make introductions a) I rarely make introductionsb) I make more in response to a request by someone I know to meet another contact I knowc) I make about the same in response to a request as I do suggesting the two people connectd) I make more introductions because I initiated the connection for both parties6. When people ask me to introdu ce them to someone who may benefit from the intro, I will a) Not make the introduction, why should I?b) Sometimes make the introductionc) Frequently make the introductiond) Always make the introduction7. When people ask me to introduce them to someone who may not benefit from the intro, I will a) Not make the introduction, why should I?b) Not make the introduction, I feel uncomfortable when it is one-sidedc) Make the introduction, if I think the person could benefit and could give that reasond) Make the introduction, after I ask and receive permission to make the introduction8. Which is the most common way you meet new people?a) They find meb) Someone offers to introduce mec) I ask friends for warm introductionsd) I search people out and contact them directly9. When you reach out to a contact for any introduction, advice, information, or a favor is the general response to your inquiry a) No response, they ignore meb) They sometimes respond with assistancec) They often respond with assistanced) They say, happy to help, whatever you need10. People regularly or occasionally reach out to you (mark all that apply with R or O)a) For informationb) For an introductionc) To ask for a favord) To request you speak to a friende) To ask for advicef) To request you or your services on a projectg) To say hello and catch uph) To invite you to somethingSCORINGFor questions 1 9, score as followsA answers 1 pointB answers 2 pointsC answers 3 pointsD answers 4 pointsFor question 10, give yourself 2 points for every answer you circled that people reach out regularly, and 1 point for each item they reach out for occasionally.Total up your score and determine your level on the Connector Spectrum below. The read on for your target level.913 points The Non-Connector.You are someone who doesnt see the value in connecting and relationships or is really uncomfortable with the idea. Connecting doesnt have to be big, ugly, or scary anyone can do it. If you find yourself in this cat egory, I have a few questions for you.Are you being too hard on yourself? Often we dont give ourselves credit for the things that we do. Would other people put you in this category? All of us connect, though we dont always associate the relationships we have with being connected.Do you see the value in connecting? Perhaps this is your norm because you havent seen the value in a different approach. Perhaps you are a bit gun-shy- a past relationship didnt work out or you didnt receive the response youd hoped for. With a new approach and a new connection, you may get a different reaction.What is one place where or type of person with whom you feel comfortable connecting? You are likely already connecting but dont recognize it as such it is just what you do. Whether it is social or professional, start where you are already. Acknowledge what works for you and build from there.1423 points The Emerging Connector.This is the start of connecting. As an Emerging Connector, you are on the conn ection path. You may embody some of the behaviors but dont yet embody all the elements and mindset. Or you may embrace all the mindsets but are not consistently applying them. Consider what area you want to develop initiating more connections, extending existing relationships, following up, diversifying your connections, etc. Then put a plan in place for just that goal so you are not overwhelmed by all the actions you could take.2433 points The Responsive Connector.A Responsive Connector is when you are starting to initiate the behaviors but tend to be more responsive to requests, rather than creating value opportunities. This level is open and willing but does not always recognize how and when you can add value and therefore you dont initiate the connection or offer of assistance. I want to remind you, we all have value to add and sometimes that is simply effort. When meeting a new person, ask yourself, How can I be of assistance to this person? Make a suggestion, the offer is the start of being an Acting Connector.3443 points The Acting Connector.You are consistently applying and initiating more often but you may not have developed the breadth and depth of your network yet. You consider how to help those in your network with introductions and information. Your networks breadth and depth are growing. This level is enough for many people and you do not necessarily need to advance beyond to be a Niche or Super Connector. Keep doing what you are doing. Because relationships can fall off, continue to seek new opportunities for connecting.Over 44 points Potential Goal Level. Go to Part IIYou are a connector You are doing it and reaping the rewards. People think of you as a resource someone who knows people and is willing to make connections. When you need something, people are eager to assist. You may already be where you need to be on the Connector Spectrum. There are three more levels. Go to Part II to determine where you are now, and where you want to be.Part II Whats Your Target Connector LevelThe level of connector you are is not fixed, not an absolute. Being a Super Connector is not necessarily the goal for everyone. The difference between the levels of connector is based onthe breadth and depth of your connectionsyour tendency to initiate or respond to othersRead the three connector levels and determine where you are now and where you want to beNiche Connectors Niche Connectors have a concentration in a specific area. It could be a geographic region, industry, or job function. The breadth and depth exist but only within the area of their niche.Super Connectors The breadth of a Super Connectors network crosses geographic areas, demographic differences, personal interests, professional industry, job functions, titles, and levels. They seem to know everyone from all walks of life.Global Super Connectors Super Connectors have a broad network with geographic depth beyond their countrys borders. Not everyone should strive to this highest l evel of connector.You can be a connector. Confidence and trust in yourself will bolster your ability and willingness. Be open to different experiences and broadening your network. Your goal shouldnt necessarily be to become a Super Connector - determine which level you aspire to. If youre a Non-Connector, go for Emerging.If youre Responsive, work toward Acting. If you want to go global and become a Super Connector, do itUltimately, being a connector is a mindset. Its not doing something its being someone.Michelle Tillis Lederman is the CEO of Executive Essentials and author of the new book, The Connectors Advantage 7 Mindsets to Grow Your Influence and Impact. For more information, please visit, www.michelletillerlederman.com and connect with her on Twitter, and on LinkedIn.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people