As a Connector, I often reach out to leaders who are new to town. I introduce them to locals who can be supportive and make them feel welcome. This isn't the easiest town to break into without proper introductions, nor the easiest culture to understand without guides. Invariably when I do this, the newcomer starts to relax and get their bearings, and those of us who are welcoming him or her are reminded of why we love Philadelphia and how grateful we are to have our own "safety nets" of colleagues, friends, and family.

It takes a long time to weave our safety nets, and if we are smart, we keep adding to the edges of it and tend it to keep it strong. I am surprised, however, that so few people (leaders at least) make an effort to help others build their nets. Perhaps these people were never new to a town or a firm or a school, so they don't know what it's like to be alone, steeped in new responsibilities, with no one to turn to for help (or no one to sit with at lunch). Is there someone new in your office, on your board, or in your community who needs help onboarding? If so, reach out to that person, welcome them, and share some of the fabric of your net. That's how we create community.