When it comes to building our personal networks, is bigger really better?

Not according to Rob Cross. Rob is the Edward A. Madden Professor of Global Leadership at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts and the co-founder and director of the Connected Commons, a consortium of over 100 leading organizations accelerating network research and practice. His newest book is "Beyond Collaboration Overload: How to Work Smarter, Get Ahead and Restore Your Well-Being."

The big idea: People should pay attention to the strength and structure of their networks, not just their size.