Impact Networks, David Ehrlichman (9/10)

Rating: 9/10

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🤔 Pre Read Exercise: What Do I Know About This Topic/Book?

• On this book – tbh, not too much. David’s a cool peep to follow on Twitter and a bunch of other cool and smart peeps on Twitter/Discord, in the DMs, etc. have recommended the book to me. Seems like a pretty “in” one to be reading in my small corner of the internet. Plus, 4.5+/5 on Goodreads. Excellent reasons to read!
• On the topic, I don’t actually know what the specific topic here is – but I’m passionate about the increasing roles communities and networks will play in distributing power and making change happen in the world. I just read Balaji’s Network State, which is one part of this thesis, and I’m pretty deep in the DAO and community world of web3, which is another part… so I’m just generally looking to learn more about this topic and cross-polinate my knowledge and experiences with those of people with more knowledge and experience than me.

🚀 The Book in 3 Sentences

1. A practical guide to forming an impact network – a network created to help people/groups collaborate on a shared purpose
2. n/a
3. n/a

🎨 Impressions

I really liked this book.

Firstly, it’s short, conscise, accessible, comprehensive, and all the other adjectives I often use to describe books I like.

Secondly, the structure is solid. It begins with some technical explanation of networks, goes into basic analysis of technological and global trends, and uses this to evidence the importance of networks to create change in our interconnected world. Later, it adds practical guidance on facilitating collaboration and forming impact network.

Thirdly, David writes the book in a very professional detached way. Sometimes I like books written in a personal, fun, and friendly way, where the author’s personality shines through. This was equally that and not that. In other words, it’s super sharp, focused, and emotionally detached/objective. I get the impression that’s how David is – but whether or not that’s the case, I found it very effective and appreciated it.

Finally, and what I enjoyed most about this book, was the emphasis David placed on the “human” element of a network – in particular, the emphasis on trust. Honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity are qualities I place high value on, especially in an increasingly disconnected (remote etc.) interconnected (tech/connected 24/7) world. Not everyone appreciates how honest, transparent, and vulnerable I make myself at times. It gets me in trouble, at times. But, net, it’s awesome, and I love the re-shift David makes through the book to make sure the reader consider the human and trust elements that are, ultimately, the most important things to think about.

🔍 How I Discovered It

• On Twitter/Goodreads

🥰 Who Would Like It?

• Network nerds, business people, tech people

☘️ How the Book Changed Me

• I lead a DAO and help lots of early communities. It helped me think about network leadership and how to promote emergence and embrace change

💬 My Top Quotes

• The single most important factor behind all successful collaborations is trust-based relationships among participants. Many collaborative efforts ultimately fail to reach their full potential because they lack a strong relational foundation.
• The power of relationships is shown most clearly when the network holds conversations on controversial topics and when people go the extra mile to support each other’s work