Why should I invest in my network?
The goal of networking is to build an interconnected group of individuals with whom you can create, over time and with meaningful energy invested, mutually beneficial relationships. This support system is valuable on an ongoing basis – for advice and guidance – and, in particular, through challenging times.
Having a solid professional network is an important part of delivering on your objectives and establishing yourself as part of the community of executives. Your network can also provide you with insight and knowledge about other parts of your organization and other departments and agencies that might be helpful when you are considering a change of position, either laterally or a promotion. Individuals in your network can provide you with an important avenue to test ideas or approaches, get feedback and imagine different scenarios. They are someone to call who you know will answer the phone.
The key to tipping the balance is to reframe the act of networking. It is not only a business-card exchange in a crowded event with strangers, but it can be seen as an ongoing project of building relationships.
How can I build my network?
Some of the strongest and most important connections you will build are those with the people with whom you work and interact (or have in the past) on a regular basis – both within your workplace, in other federal organizations, in provincial and territorial governments, with stakeholder groups, in research institutions, etc. These people will see you in action, will build an understanding of your integrity, your ability to work towards results, your contribution to those results, and your compassion. To that end, they will be good people to consider part of your network
These “required” connections you will make as part of effectively delivering on your mandate can be supplemented by connections you will make as part of other activities you undertake or that you seek out.
You have an opportunity to expand your network when you attend learning events. In particular, a formal event that lasts multiple days gives you an opportunity to get to know people – through discussions and the exchange of ideas — from other departments and agencies that you may want to remain connected with after the session. Take the initiative to exchange contact information and suggest a meeting at a future date or connect on social media to build the relationship.
Communities of practice and functional communities also offer events or activities where there is an opportunity to meet others with the same interests, that may prove to be longer term relationships. APEX learning events, as an example, such as the Symposium or the regular lunchtime events, offer opportunities for you to make a connection with colleagues from outside your immediate organization. Building a relationship with these individuals provides you with an opportunity to explore how things happen in other organizations or how others have approached a particular situation that may be helpful to you.
Your activities and interests outside the office may also lead you to connect with people who can be an important part of your network. Pay attention to what is around you.
If you start to actively associate with those in your existing network with whom you have a professional affinity, rather than envisioning networking as something that “other people do” or “only others do well,” you will make that first step toward actively creating an integrated network that works for you.
Know your five or six trusted advisors.
Within your network, finding five or six trusted individuals with whom you can discuss ideas, challenges or issues can be of benefit to you throughout your career. They can act as a sounding board, allow you to vent in a non-judgmental space, guide you through a situation, and/or provide advice. They could include your mentor or coach.
You may be fortunate enough to participate in a formal leadership development program that requires an investment of time that becomes the foundation for the strong long term relationships. Alternatively, it could be that you have had the opportunity to build your group through varied situations or interactions that result in a trusted group of advisors.
Regardless of how you have found them, you want to build and nurture these relationships by investing time in them on a regular basis, perhaps through a monthly or every second month coffee date (even without a pressing concern that is top of mind). These regular check-ins go a long way to keeping your relationship strong.
I’m an introvert; I find the network of interactions required for my job is quite enough.
By their nature, introverts are very thoughtful about how and with whom they communicate, so although you may not network in as many settings with as many people, you are ideally suited to creating a greater return for your ongoing efforts.
For example, are you building a network for a career transition that you foresee undertaking in the next 12 months? If so, you will want to network with people who are in your target field, Department or Agency or have undertaken similar transitions and can help you along your way. Do you have particular challenges at work? You may wish to build a network of people who have had or are having those same challenges, so you can support and share ideas with each other.
In addition, if you grow a network through current connections, your target networking audience will be hand-chosen, so they are likely to be better matches in any case.
If you are an introvert in an Executive position, you have learned to live in an extroverted world. In a characteristically thoughtful way, introverts can carefully choose and plan a limited number of events that are likely to bring results. While stepping into rooms of unfamiliar people can feel overwhelming, there are strategies you can use that might make these moments “simpler” …
- Bring a colleague/friend – many events allow for multiple registrations. For example, APEX lunch time events are open to all Executives. Invite a colleague.
- Get to an event early, before others have arrived and formed conversation groups that you then need to break into.
- Keep it simple; ask open-ended questions and listen – most people love to talk.
- Aim to meet a handful of people. Think about this encounter as the beginning of a conversation. Come prepared to exchange contact information (have a business card, or your device ready with a picture-ready capture of your information) and follow up later.
I have little time, how can I maintain my network?
Using social media tools such as Linked-In, Twitter and Facebook are easy, simple and effective ways to keep in touch with your growing network. Make full use of these and GCconnex tools. The benefits of a healthy network are well worth the effort.
Spirit of Openness – You are part of their network too.
Building your network will be of benefit to you as you build collaborative relationships with your colleagues.
Your investment is also a contribution to the greater community and interconnectedness of Executives who are passionate about their work, working in one of the best public service organizations in the world. As much as you will be supported by your network, you also play a supporting role – your colleagues will also look to you for insight and guidance.
