The holiday season has a way of reminding us about connection. Whether it’s gathering with loved ones, sharing traditions, or even crafting simple paper chains to brighten the room, this time of year is all about the links that hold us together.
Paper chains might seem like a small thing—just loops of paper glued and linked together—but they carry a quiet wisdom. Each link, on its own, is a closed circle, a neat but solitary unit. Add another, and suddenly there’s a connection. Add more, and you have something greater than the sum of its parts: a chain that spans distances and bridges gaps.
But while much of the focus of the festive season is on strengthening bonds that are already close, the paper chain symbolises something else—the linking “through and beyond”. Each link in a chain leads to new links that aren’t directly connected to the first. These are the links “between”.
Chains That Build Opportunities
In business and much else besides, progress often depends on connection. Whether it’s reaching into new markets, discovering untapped opportunities, or gaining access to new capabilities, success is rarely a solo venture. It’s about making the right links, at the right time, with the right people—and enabling those people to build chains between you and opportunity.
At Amitypath, we see our work as a kind of chain-building. Through our Pathfinder Campaigns, we help organisations add links to their networks, creating connections that might never have come about otherwise. Pathfinders—highly connected individuals with deep expertise—add the kind of links that open doors, strengthen strategies, and transform goals into achievements.
The Power of Many Links
What makes a chain strong isn’t just its individual links, but how they come together. A single connection might take you one step further, but a well-built chain can:
- Reach into new opportunities: Whether it’s exploring a different market or connecting with a key partner, chains help you go where you couldn’t on your own.
- Bridge capability gaps: By linking with others who have complementary skills or insights, you can achieve more together than you ever could alone.
- Create something lasting: A chain is flexible yet resilient, adapting to change while holding its purpose steady.
A Festive Habit that’s Fit for the New Year Too
As the New Year approaches, there’s no better time to think about the connections you want to build. What gaps need bridging? What opportunities are waiting just beyond your current reach? And who could help you add the links you need to get there?
This season, as you hang your paper chains, take a moment to think about the beauty of connection. In a world that’s often complex and fragmented, building strong, purposeful chains isn’t just a festive habit—it’s a strategy for growth, resilience, and success.
And in case you want some tips on creating your literal paper chains, here is an excellent guide from the National Trust.
Here’s to building brighter, stronger chains in 2025!
