Social Chemistry

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What to expect

Social Chemistry will utterly transform the way you think about 'networking.' Understanding the contours of your social network can dramatically enhance personal relationships, work life, and even your global impact. Are you an Expansionist, a Broker, or a Convener? The answer matters more than you think. . . .

Conventional wisdom would have us believe that it is the size of your network that matters: how many people do you know? We're told to mix, mingle, and connect.

But social science research suggests otherwise.

The quality and structure of our relationships have far greater impact on our personal and professional lives. our relationships with friends, family, co-workers, neighbours, and collaborators are by far our greatest asset. Yet, most people leave them to chance.

In this ground-breaking study, Marissa King, Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Yale, argues that there are strategic ways in which we can alter our relationships for a happier and more fulfilling life. With new understanding, this book can help readers to see how they can harness the power of their networks in their personal relationships, at work, and to create a better world.

(P)2021 Penguin Random House Audio

Critics Review

  • It’s frequently said that we’re living in a ‘connected world.’ But it turns out that the details of those connections matter, a lot. Social Chemistry is a fascinating look at the particulars of impactful networks. Whether you take naturally to networking or think yourself allergic to it, there is practical information here that can help you form more productive relationships, and make better use of those you already have.
    – David Epstein, Sunday Times bestselling author of Range and The Sports Gene

  • This is one of the most interesting and useful books ever written on networking. As a leading sociologist at Yale, Marissa King specializes in evidence-based insights on enriching our professional and personal connections. You’ll quickly recognize your own style-and some opportunities for growth and development.
    – Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Originals

  • Marissa King skillfully brings to light how understanding the science of organizational behavior and networks yields benefits far beyond the workplace. Decoding social patterns can transform every corner of your life. By providing readers with prescriptive pathways towards greater connectivity and intention, Social Chemistry helps you to create new relationships and strengthen your existing ones.
    -Eve Rodsky, New York Times Bestseller of Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live)

  • In an age of both hyper-connectedness and extreme loneliness, Marissa King definitively cracks the code on human connection: what brings us together, what keeps us together, and how we make each other come alive. – Emma Seppälä, Ph.D, author of The Happiness Track, Science Director, Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, Stanford University

  • King gives readers the big picture, showing what social networks are and demonstrating their importance in one’s career and personal life. A personable approach to one of the hot topics of our times. – Kirkus

  • Using recognizable celebrities and anecdotes from interviewed individuals as examples, King blends large-scale research with personal stories to illustrate her findings. Social Chemistry is a fascinating study for anyone curious about human interaction. – Booklist

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