Bowling alone?

Posted by Ann Deaton Share Your Voice

Have you ever gone bowling alone? What would that be like? Would it be any fun?

I don't know, but Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone, might. According to Putnam, bowling represents one form of "social capital". People of all ages form informal groups who enjoy each other's company while bowling. And bowling leagues create a community of participants who regularly see and connect with each other.

According to Putnam, this kind of regular gathering together is part of the social fabric that creates strength in society, and it is a social fabric that is showing tears. Attendance at regular club meetings has shrunk since the 70's as has active participation in sports. Being a sports spectator, especially in front of a television, has increased. However, Putnam notes that "watching a team play is not the same as playing on a team" (p. 114). To understand more about what's happening in our communities and how to revive them, read Putnam's book and Peter Block's book Community. Both offer an abundance of facts and research, as well as practical suggestions on how to take action.

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Ann Deaton I am a leadership coach, and Managing Partner in Bounce. I love to coach and facilitate with individuals and systems experiencing significant change and growth. The clients I work with, regardless of their age or position, are talented and creative individuals willing to look with fresh eyes at their challenges and opportunities, and to take action based on their discoveries. As a result, they find that they are capable of accomplishing far greater things than they ever imagined. What do you want to accomplish today? Who do you want to be?