10K HP Step 5: Build Your Alliance (Network)
Now that we have determined the Game we are playing, what our Stats and Roles are, and the Skills we have and need to acquire, it’s time to look for Allies.
Allies are generally people who are playing the same Life Game as you are (similar passion or goals), but have complementary Roles and Skills to you.
They could also be people who happen to share the same Quests (Step 6) as you at any given moment.
The 10K HP Life is not a solo game. Building a network of allies is essential. In the sections below, we’ll look at how to identify and build these relationships to move your journey forward.
⚡ Speed Run Notes
- Allies are players running a similar Life Game to yours, but with complementary Roles and Skills (or people who happen to share your current Quests).
- Four alliance types do different jobs: Factions give you a shared identity, Guilds give you a structure to level up inside, Teams give you complementary roles pointed at one goal, and Partners give you a deep one-to-one collaboration (think Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak).
- You build an alliance by leading with value and complementary strength, not by collecting contacts.
- Six Power Attributes make you OP at networking: Integrity, Sincerity, Optimism, Confidence, Initiative, and Persistence.
In This Article
About Yu-kai Chou
Yu-kai Chou is a Human-Systems Architect & Behavioral Designer whose work has impacted over 1.5 Billion Users worldwide through work with LEGO, Microsoft, Porsche, Coca-Cola, Salesforce, and MrBeast.
He has taught and lectured at Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Tesla, Google, BCG, and IDEO.
His books have been referenced by Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Wired, US Department of Energy, NIST, NSF, NCBI, US Department of Education, ClinicalTrials.gov, and 3,700+ more. Check out Books by Chou here.
Why Alliances Matter
The concept of alliances goes beyond mere networking. It’s about finding those who share your passion and goals while complementing your skills and roles.
These allies are the co-pilots in your life game, contributing to your quests and milestones.
Collaboration amplifies our individual capabilities. The adage “no man is an island” holds true. Some of the most important achievements in history came from collaborative efforts, not solitary ones.
Being well-connected means being resourceful. In a web of allies, opportunities and resources circulate more freely, often landing in the hands of those best equipped to use them.
The journey to the top is more fulfilling when shared with others. It’s about building relationships that enrich our personal and professional lives.
Below are a variety of Allies and Ally Entities that are relevant to your 10K Life Game:
Types of Allies in the 10K HP Life Game
Factions
Factions are large, diverse groups unified by a shared belief or identity, such as religion, cultural heritage, or alma mater.
Unlike organized groups, factions are defined by shared beliefs or history, making it impractical for members, including leaders, to know everyone personally.
This anonymity doesn’t diminish the inherent bond between faction members; encountering a fellow member often sparks an immediate connection and a willingness to assist each other.
My own experiences highlight this dynamic. When I converted to Christianity, I was introduced to a global community that provides support across many dimensions. Similarly, connections formed through educational institutions like UCLA or membership in organizations like Delta Sigma Pi create a sense of obligation to assist fellow members.
This intrinsic urge to help is evident even when members haven’t met before, such as alumni from different years.
Factions also form around interests or beliefs, like gamification, the Octalysis Framework, or fans of public figures like Elon Musk.
These factions, comprising individuals who often don’t know each other personally, are united by shared enthusiasm or beliefs. The bonds within these factions can be strong, with members feeling an instant rapport upon meeting.
Unlike guilds, which are organized subsets within factions with coordinated objectives, factions are generally less structured.
They often use digital platforms for communication, allowing members to connect and collaborate. Active participation in these channels can lead to recognition within the faction and potentially leadership roles.
The power of factions lies in the relatedness members feel towards each other. This sense of connection, or Relatedness (Core Drive 5 in the Octalysis Framework), enhances the likelihood of mutual assistance.
My experience with the USC Alumni Network, known for its proactive support, contrasts with the more passive supportiveness of UCLA’s network, underscoring the varied nature of faction supportiveness.
Guilds
Guilds are structured organizations varying in size, where members work collectively towards a shared mission under an organized hierarchy.
This hierarchy might be flat or decentralized, but it exists to facilitate decision-making and goal achievement.
Guilds encompass a range of entities, including companies, educational institutions, chapters of organizations, and membership clubs.
For instance, within the Christian faction, a local church or a Christian Leadership Organization can be considered a guild. As a student at UCLA, one becomes part of the UCLA Guild, operating under the university’s authority to achieve educational goals. Upon graduation, one transitions from the guild to the broader UCLA Faction.
In many guilds, it is possible for leaders to know each member and their contributions towards the guild’s goals.
For instance, Octalysis Prime, an educational platform, acts as a guild for enthusiasts of the Octalysis Framework and Gamification. Here, members coordinate missions and quests, and the leadership team keeps track of each member’s progress and growth.
In the corporate world, companies like Google represent powerful guilds, characterized by a selective recruitment process and a strong emphasis on cultural fit.
Similarly, smaller companies like The Octalysis Group create a familial atmosphere where members engage in activities like touring, book clubs, and creative celebrations.
Most guilds use communication channels like Facebook Groups, Slack, WhatsApp, and Discord for member interaction and coordination by guild leaders.
When a guild grows significantly, it can evolve into a faction, potentially igniting broader movements or changes in the world.
Teams
Teams are small, close-knit groups focused on achieving specific, immediate missions or quests.
Distinct from larger factions or guilds, team members know each other intimately and understand how to work together effectively. Teams are commonly found in various settings, including company units, startups, local sports teams, or hobby clubs.
In a similar vein to a gaming guild, where a leader assigns members to complete dungeons and raids, a team collaborates closely to attain immediate objectives.
These teams are often composed of individuals with complementary skills, mirroring roles like Tanks, Damage dealers, and Healers in games.
For example, a team might include someone with strong communication skills, another with analytical prowess, and others with expertise in marketing, engineering, or specialized areas like childhood development or custom candy making.
The formation of teams is also influenced by their duration.
Long-term teams, such as those in a company, are established for extended collaboration and require careful planning and consideration of member contribution and team chemistry.
Short-term teams, like those formed for a single performance or project, focus more on the immediate outcome and disband after the task is completed.
In the context of The Octalysis Group, a leading entity in the Octalysis faction, there are both Core Team Members engaged in continuous guild improvement and the Octalysis Contractor Network, assembled for revenue-generating projects.
The former represents a long-term team, invested in team-building and innovation, while the latter forms short-term teams for specific client projects, often changing composition.
Partners
A partnership refers to a close bond between one or two individuals, formed to achieve a long-term mission. This could involve significant others, co-founders, business partners, or research partners.
Famous examples include duos like Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and Batman and Robin.
Unlike teams, partnerships are typically smaller, often lasting for decades, and are essential due to their intimate nature and mutual reliance over numerous quests.
Trust and chemistry are crucial in partnerships. Trust comes in two forms: Character Trust and Ability Trust.
Character Trust relates to believing in a person’s intentions and good faith, while Ability Trust pertains to trusting their skills and capabilities.
For instance, you might trust a family member’s intentions but not their ability to perform a highly skilled task like piloting a plane.
Ability Trust must be earned through hard work, self-improvement, and demonstrated results.
A common misunderstanding occurs when individuals expect trust in their abilities based on personal relationships rather than proven competence.
Ideally, successful partnerships are formed with individuals who possess both Character and Ability Trust. This combination ensures reliability through integrity and skillful execution.
If either form of trust is lacking, forming a strong, effective partnership becomes challenging. Chemistry in a partnership enhances coordination and makes the collaborative process more enjoyable.
Other Alliance Types
In the context of the 10K HP Journey, the concept of Relationship Roles expands to many components. One key type is Mentorship.
Having a mentor is more than a beneficial relationship. It can significantly shape your journey to mastery.
A mentor imparts wisdom and experience, and also assists in crucial areas such as identifying essential skills, introducing you to influential networks, and guiding you in choosing the right quests.
This alignment with your Game and Role can shape your path, offering insights and guidance tailored to your unique journey.
The role of a mentor extends beyond advice. They are instrumental in helping you recognize your unique attributes and strengths, often overlooked by yourself.
This external perspective is invaluable in using your innate abilities effectively.
Building strong alliances with the right mentors is a strategic move in your 10,000-hour journey toward excellence.
Mentorship represents just one facet of an expanded array of Alliance Relationships. This spectrum also encompasses roles such as Coaches, Agents, Patrons, Mentees, Sidekicks, and Staff.
In a future update, I plan to develop more on the topic of other types of alliances, as there is a wealth of material yet to be explored in these diverse relationships.
How to Build an Alliance
How does one build an Alliance? Let me tell you my personal story on how I started.
During my freshman year at UCLA, I was inspired to start an online networking service for professionals after reading an article in The Daily Bruin about the importance of networking.
My interest deepened after watching movies like “Mission Impossible” and “The Godfather,” where the characters used diverse networks of experts in critical situations.
This made me realize the potential of every individual’s unique skills and connections, even those who might seem insignificant at first glance.
As a college freshman, I initially doubted my ability to contribute meaningfully to a professional network.
However, I soon recognized that by connecting people to a wide range of professionals, I could amplify my value.
This realization led me to establish my first public Guild in 2004, the FD Network (FD standing for “Future Delivery”), an online service where professionals could sign up to share their expertise, specialties, and hobbies to assist other members.
The FD Network had two main requirements for its members: to update their profiles annually and to respond kindly to any requests from fellow members, even if they couldn’t provide direct help.
Unlike open professional platforms like LinkedIn, the FD Network was service-oriented and personalized. As the “FD Link,” I would personally connect members with the right resources and people who could assist them.
My efforts in creating the FD Network attracted a diverse array of professionals, from a Nuclear Propulsion Engineer to a Hollywood Actor. It was a significant step in forging my first professional alliance.
A memorable moment for me was meeting a prominent game designer, a member of the FD Network, who was surprised and excited to meet “the FD Link” in person. This experience demonstrated the success of my networking efforts during my college years.
Although I eventually moved on from the FD Network to start a game platform for career-building, the connections I made through the network continue to influence my career and life.
This experience has also driven me to consider restarting a similar service and has inspired me to share networking strategies in this blog as a guide for others looking to build powerful alliances. I’ve now coined this strategy:
“OP Networking”
Now that we have established the power of Building Your Alliances, let’s start exploring a Strategy Guide to expand on this step. The first thing we need to remember is OP Networking starts with the Self.
The 6 Power Attributes for OP Networking
In my journey, I’ve learned that effective networking, or what I coined “OP Networking,” is rooted in self-development.
It’s essential to be worth networking with, as true networking is a reciprocal process where both parties enrich each other’s lives.
Contrary to the belief that networking skills are innate, I’ve realized that personal growth and development are within our control.
With a positive attitude and the brain’s neuroplasticity, we can gradually adopt the necessary attributes for successful networking.
There are six Power Attributes essential for OP Networking in the 10K HP Journey:
1) Integrity
2) Sincerity
3) Optimism
4) Confidence
5) Initiative
6) Persistence
Integrity is the bedrock of a strong character and goes beyond mere ethical behavior; it’s about being a good person at the core.
I’ve instilled this value in my twin daughters, teaching them that integrity shapes not just how others see you, but who you are.
It’s about making the right choices even when no one is watching, ensuring that your actions align with your moral compass. People are naturally drawn to those who exude integrity, as it breeds trust and respect.
Sincerity in networking is about caring for others, celebrating their successes, and empathizing with their struggles.
This sense of caring creates a strong bond of trust, laying the foundation for meaningful and lasting relationships.
It’s about being real. When you’re sincere, your interactions create connections that are both deep and enduring.
Optimism shines through in how you perceive challenges and interact with others.
It’s not about being cheerful all the time; it’s about maintaining a positive outlook that motivates those around you.
Optimism helps to overcome the hurdles and rejections that are inevitable in networking, turning them into opportunities for growth and learning. An optimistic attitude is contagious, creating an environment where creativity and hope thrive.
Confidence is the silent communicator of your self-worth and capabilities.
It’s not about boasting or feeling superior, but about having a grounded self-image and recognizing the inherent value in yourself and others.
This form of confidence is magnetic, attracting others and teaching them how to view and interact with you.
Taking Initiative is about stepping out of comfort zones and proactively engaging with others. It involves overcoming the fear of rejection and understanding that reaching out, even if met with a negative response, is a step forward.
I liken this to facing a ‘Harmless Dragon’ outside one’s comfort zone: intimidating but ultimately harmless.
To learn more about the Harmless Dragon, I’ve made a video series about it on Octalysis Prime. You can find the entire OP Networking series and thousands of my video content there too.
Persistence is the steadfast commitment to continue striving, even in the face of challenges and delays. It requires a delicate balance between determination and respecting others’ boundaries.
Persistence means understanding that not all responses will be immediate and that patience can often be as important as the effort itself.
This attribute is about resilience and the unwavering belief in your goals, driving you to pursue connections and opportunities relentlessly, yet thoughtfully.
OP Networking goes beyond transactional relationships. It’s about building intrinsically rewarding connections, much like playing games with friends. This approach is grounded in the joy of interaction and mutual growth, rather than mere utility.
As I continue my 10K HP Journey, these principles of networking are pathways to forming genuine, lasting alliances. They are the cornerstone of building a network that is both wide and meaningful.
Conclusion: The Alliance as a Game Changer
Building alliances is a dynamic and ongoing process. It involves identifying the right people, engaging with them meaningfully, and nurturing these relationships over time.
The alliances you form can be the game changers in your 10K HP journey, propelling you towards success in ways you might never have achieved alone.
So, as you advance in your life game, keep an eye out for potential allies, and be ready to join forces with them in pursuit of your shared goals and dreams.
It’s your turn
You’re now ready to start building your own Alliances! After you’ve mapped out your potential allies, the best way to improve your plan and get feedback is to share it in the Octalysis Explorers Facebook group.
Read the next article in the 10K HP series:
- 10,000 Hours of Play: Unlock Your Real-Life Legendary Success
- 10K HP Step 1: Choose Your Game (Mission)
- 10K HP Step 2: Know Your Attributes (Talents)
- 10K HP Step 3: Select Your Role (Specialty)
- 10K HP Step 4: Enhance Your Skills (Craft)
- You are here — 10K HP Step 5: Build Your Alliance (Network)
- 10K HP Step 6: Achieve Your Quests (Milestones)
Get my book at yukaichou.com/books or Amazon
Related Reading
- The Octalysis Framework for Gamification & Behavioral Design
- The Ultimate Gamification Books: Actionable Gamification & 10,000 Hours of Play
- What is Gamification? Definition, Examples & Framework
- How Yu-kai Chou Pioneered Gamification in 2003
- 90+ Gamification Examples & Cases with ROI Stats
- Top 10 Enterprise Gamification Examples
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