The secret to great opportunities? The person you haven't met yet | Tanya Menon

We often find ourselves stuck in narrow social circles with similar people. What habits confine us, and how can we break them? Organizational psychologist Tanya Menon considers how we can be more intentional about expanding our social universes -- and how it can lead to new ideas and opportunities.

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more.

[Lietsable]

So in late August I watched this video as part of a frontline managers training program my work is conducting.
I have recently been involved in some safety auditing and the day after watching this I received an email from the leader of the team regarding the auditing results and decided to go out in a limb and express my interest in working more closely with the health and safety team.

A week later she sent me a link to a job vacancy that was closing that day. I applied and interviewed and 2 days ago I got offered the job.

In the space of a month everything has changed because I watched this video. So thank you for the inspiration 🥰

[wangwinnie]

It’s one of my favorite TED show! As a business college student who is studying abroad. Every word in this video gives me inspirations and motivation at every moment when I think of it. The best thing about this video is that it gives us meaningful concept by using easy understanding examples. I can’t wait to see more videos from Tanya! Thank you for giving us your valueable speech.

[brundhaaa]

OMG I LOVED the ending, about different ways to say you're welcome. That metaphor though <3 <3

[jamesburwash]

I enjoyed your talk, you are correct stepping outside your comfort zone or habit zone to meet new people.

[Yui]

It's all about who you know so don't stay home go out at night to turn acquaintances into friends and be good to people. More people means more opportunity.

[MilosTopic]

Absolutely! Get out of your pattern and meet people who would not be on your path otherwise.

[MrSirAussie]

Wow! very empowering and inspiring message. Many thanks.

[Hell]

Experience shows that if I don’t really like someone, then we’re unlikely to be able to communicate. People are closed. And coming up with a gentle smile is much more likely. But a fake smile only spoils.

[when_life_gives_you_limes]

Can't hear you through my introverted ears...

[suggestahandle]

I’m grateful for you sharing this with us: ) The part that resonated the most with me was finding spaces to connect, and thinking about how words shape the relationship.
(Also, I giggled visionalizing myself as an atom bumping into atoms of adams hehe)

[lgcseer]

The unbiased filter theory of social respect and self discovery. Nice one!

[pprraapparra]

Ugh true. I've noticed this, esp with the fact that I'm the only one pursuing social degree in my family. It's just hard to get new ideas during conversation with them. But in the same time, I think I'm not good at networking? I've been going to seminars and discussion to represent my office, I tried to talk to other participants there, but in the end of time, I don't think I leave an impression on them. I don't know how exactly you start a conversation without risking a little bump here and there. Maybe I should think that it's a given and just be stubborn with getting to know them better?

[goldengalsclazy]

Great video! I enjoyed listening to her talk! :)

[PavanBSDevarakonda]

Its really wonderful talk, I've learnt how to open up out of filters. i really like the metaphor that shared when life is a journey some one will be joining some of them leaving. I've shared this first with my family then I thought using inefficient social search engine!

[ReyFigueras]

With today's Work From Home situations, should we make a conscious effort against social narrowing as defined in this video? Does an increased isolation in a home office limit situations of random social encounters? Are we essentially limiting our social "gene pool"?

[wearneandco]

Great teaching on how to create oppertununities

[pedrojoelramos]

Her theory about the words "tankyu" in other languages having no transation hint on them, doesnt work with portuguese because "thankyu" in portuguese is "obrigado" which can also mean "obligated". So in portuguese thus have a hint for transaction because is like the person that said it is obligated to do something for the other. Portuguese is also based in latim.

[julsb]

1. Imperfect social engine
map out social habits
fight your filters
seek out social hubs

2. be courageous in

3. reach out to people as partners, not resources

[teegees]

This is only half of the story however - one also needs skills in listening, empathy, compassion, and understanding. Otherwise it can also backfire and strengthen our biases.

[thuhuongle]

Very good and funny videos bring a great sense of entertainment!