In the rapidly emerging, perhaps exploding world of connectivity, and exponential growth of knowledge, there are many books being written which are destined to be of significant value and perhaps critical in transforming our understanding of what is occurring around us. Over the past several years, I have had the opportunity to share information about books which have impacted my thinking—The Tipping Point, Sway, Leadership on the Line, Made to Stick, The Innovator’s Prescription—to name a few.

With that in mind, Connected may be one of the most important and useful which you read in the next several months. In this thought-provoking book, the authors explore the concept of social networks and the powerful shaping roles they have in our life. While we have often heard of the Six Degrees of Separation (made famous in a Kevin Bacon referenced game), this book highlights the Three Degrees of Influence Rule. While initially skeptical, the book makes a strong case for our ability to have our behavior impact our friends, our friend’s friends, and our friend’s friend’s friend.

With an amazing array of examples, anecdotes, and study references, the authors apply the impact of this rule to everything from happiness, loneliness, political views to the rapidly increasing problem with obesity.

While focused on a challenging concept, the book is easily readable, entertaining, and constantly keeps your attention. A close reading of this book, and a greater understanding of the fundamental issues and concepts surrounding social networks has significant implications for beginning to understand how we can “nudge” people into behavior change. With the increasing focus on “shared responsibility,” “patient engagement,” and “patient activation,” it is imperative we increase our understanding of how to accomplish that challenging task.

Lastly, while useful for contemplating the academic issues surrounding individualism and holism, this book has implications for all of us as individuals. We are all imbedded in our social networks—both in the real world, and in the rapidly expanding world of online activities. I know, I’m watching my Twitter and Facebook accounts change the connections I have, and the impact on my professional and personal life. The book stresses the need to better understand our roles in social networks, and the surprising power we may unconsciously have, and the implications for our responsibility for supporting and caring for others.

If you read any book this year, and I hope you do, this would be well worth your while, and provide you with insights and understandings about the world we live in which might impact how you choose to behave in the future.