NETWORK
WHY IT MATTERS
All business takes place across interwoven networks of people relationships. The pathway to leadership success can sometimes be paved more by whom a leader knows than what a leader knows. The relationships a leader has established with key people can open doors to new prospects, provide learning, bring assistance, or deliver a partner when it is needed most. Leaders who have strong networks with other leaders have the relationships they need to help them in times of opportunity or difficulty. Leaders that fail to create strong networks with other people will often be left without needed colleagues to turn to when times get tough, or when they can’t meet their goals without someone else’s help.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Leaders know that people relationships represent keys to success, both today and in the future. They thoughtfully identify the strategic relationships they need to advance their purposes. They successfully find and build strong partnerships. Their motivation is not to use people for their own benefit or gain, but to form mutually beneficial relationships that advance the success of all involved. They want to benefit others as much as they want to benefit themselves.
Leaders that network see every situation they are in as an opportunity to expand their network. They are always on the lookout for chances to meet new people. When they identify the chance to expand their network they approach people confidently. They build business relationships by letting them naturally form, instead of trying to force them awkwardly. They show respect to others and act in ways that earns them similar respect in return.
Leaders that build strong networks are an active part of the work community inside their own organization. They participate in cross-organizational projects and events as a way to get to know other people they might not otherwise have met. They proactively introduce themselves to and get to know people from other teams, departments, and divisions. They get out of their comfort zone instead of staying contained in their particular silo.
Leaders that build strong networks are active in their industry’s professional organizations. They attend industry conferences and events. They take advantage of social and other sponsored opportunities to meet people, both at the local as well as the national and international levels.
Leaders that build strong networks stay current on technology tools for finding, building, and maintaining work relationships. They use social media platforms. They build active profiles within the social media world, create online networks with their colleagues, and communicate with people through digital dialogue and conversation. Their goal is to add to and grow the online community, not just take from it.
Leaders that network effectively allow others to network with them. They recognize the importance their experience and position could be in helping others succeed. They give of their time and energy to help others form positive and mutually beneficial relationships. They accept invitations to be a part of other people’s network.
BELIEFS
BEST PRACTICES
SELF-REFLECTION
WORDS OF CAUTION
All business takes place across interwoven networks of people relationships. The pathway to leadership success can sometimes be paved more by whom a leader knows than what a leader knows. The relationships a leader has established with key people can open doors to new prospects, provide learning, bring assistance, or deliver a partner when it is needed most. Leaders who have strong networks with other leaders have the relationships they need to help them in times of opportunity or difficulty. Leaders that fail to create strong networks with other people will often be left without needed colleagues to turn to when times get tough, or when they can’t meet their goals without someone else’s help.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Leaders know that people relationships represent keys to success, both today and in the future. They thoughtfully identify the strategic relationships they need to advance their purposes. They successfully find and build strong partnerships. Their motivation is not to use people for their own benefit or gain, but to form mutually beneficial relationships that advance the success of all involved. They want to benefit others as much as they want to benefit themselves.
Leaders that network see every situation they are in as an opportunity to expand their network. They are always on the lookout for chances to meet new people. When they identify the chance to expand their network they approach people confidently. They build business relationships by letting them naturally form, instead of trying to force them awkwardly. They show respect to others and act in ways that earns them similar respect in return.
Leaders that build strong networks are an active part of the work community inside their own organization. They participate in cross-organizational projects and events as a way to get to know other people they might not otherwise have met. They proactively introduce themselves to and get to know people from other teams, departments, and divisions. They get out of their comfort zone instead of staying contained in their particular silo.
Leaders that build strong networks are active in their industry’s professional organizations. They attend industry conferences and events. They take advantage of social and other sponsored opportunities to meet people, both at the local as well as the national and international levels.
Leaders that build strong networks stay current on technology tools for finding, building, and maintaining work relationships. They use social media platforms. They build active profiles within the social media world, create online networks with their colleagues, and communicate with people through digital dialogue and conversation. Their goal is to add to and grow the online community, not just take from it.
Leaders that network effectively allow others to network with them. They recognize the importance their experience and position could be in helping others succeed. They give of their time and energy to help others form positive and mutually beneficial relationships. They accept invitations to be a part of other people’s network.
BELIEFS
- You never know when a casual business relationship today will turn into a crucial strategic advantage tomorrow.
- Always be on the lookout for the opportunity to meet someone else and expand your professional network.
- The world of networking today happens via the Internet and social networking, so be sure you are connected.
- Networking becomes easy as soon as you realize that everyone else wants to network too.
- Everyone waits for the other person to make the first effort. Get relationships started instead of being the one waiting.
- Your goal in networking always needs to be a “win-win” relationship, not pure self-interest or one-sided benefit.
- Professional organizations are the easiest place to find people just like you who want to connect with you.
- Networking opportunities are always happening, in the natural flow of business, so make sure you don’t miss them.
BEST PRACTICES
- See networking as a critical part of work.
- Know the importance of strategic relationships.
- Accept work happens through relationships.
- Have a social media profile.
- Be outgoing and friendly in social situations.
- Look to add value to those in your network.
- Don’t form networks for your benefit only.
- Allow others to network with you.
- See the future benefit of strategic relationships.
- Always look for new network connections.
- Take advantage of social media platforms.
- Network inside and outside the organization.
- Retain relationships over time.
- Be a part of cross- organizational projects.
- Participate in industry organizations.
- Create mutually beneficial relationships.
- Socialize with others during the workday.
- See the importance of who you know.
- Create ways to socialize informally with others.
- Play an active role in business associations.
- Take the first step to start a new relationship.
- Stretch outside of your comfort zone.
SELF-REFLECTION
- Do I believe people relationships are a key to my success, or do I think I can succeed without them?
- Do I identify the relationships most critical to my immediate and future success, or do I fail to see who can help me?
- Do I build network relationships to create win-win opportunities, or do I do it strictly for personal self-interest?
- Do I see every situation I am in as a chance to form new network relationships, or do I let opportunities pass me by?
- Do I take the initiative to form network relationships, or do I wait for other people to make the first move?
- Do I currently have a network that is vibrant and strong, or do I have a network that is too small?
- Do I actively participate in my professional community of practice, or do I let those opportunities pass me by?
- Do I take full advantage of social media to connect with people, or do I not invest time and energy into online networking?
WORDS OF CAUTION
- Don’t spend so much time building relationships and connecting with others that you neglect doing your real work.
- Don’t get labeled as someone who is only into networking for your own personal gain and not for other’s mutual benefit.
- Don’t over-rely on other people to make you successful, and forget that you are the one who will influence your success the most.
- Social media success is based on your number of “connections.”
- I check my social media site(s) multiple times a day.
- I’m frequently introducing people that I’m connected with on social media.
- The best results come from a team effort.
- In today’s world, you have to have a profile on multiple social media sites.