Why do people get promoted in organizations? There are a variety of reasons and they vary from organization to organization. It's our individual challenge to find out what matters in our particular workplace and whether we have what it takes to move ahead, or can acquire such attributes. That's the highest and best use of our time, as far as applying ourselves to further our careers in a specific organization.
Does skill matter? Absolutely. But ability and talent only go so far. I've learned that repeatedly during my career. Moreover, I've observed that individuals who build strong relationships throughout the organization, particularly with senior managers, help themselves significantly as far as finding new work opportunities. I've been told that having an advocate or champion in an organization when applying for a new position is vital -- and such advocacy only happens by reaching out, making connections, getting to know people, and allowing them to get to know you.
(Six related posts continue this discussion of internal networking. Check out part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4 (this post), part 5, part 6, and part 7.)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Identifying the Bottom Line in Networking
Networking is about meeting your own needs, as well as helping others address their interests. In other words, it's a reciprocal process oriented towards building relationships -- especially within an organization, where individuals share a common setting and culture.
There's always a risk of coming across too strong when networking for a specific reason. Consider how you approach others with whom you work. Are you genuinely interested in them? Want to help them? Your fundamental motivation and orientation towards networking shows in every interaction with your fellow employees (or members, if you're in a community, business, or professional organization).
More important, I believe business professionals should see every interaction inside and outside the company as an opportunity to networking. Life presents a bounty of gifts in the form of the people we meet -- if only we are open to meeting and connecting with them in meaningful ways.
(Six related posts continue this discussion of internal networking. Check out part 1, part 2, part 3 (this post), part 4, part 5, part 6, and part 7.)
There's always a risk of coming across too strong when networking for a specific reason. Consider how you approach others with whom you work. Are you genuinely interested in them? Want to help them? Your fundamental motivation and orientation towards networking shows in every interaction with your fellow employees (or members, if you're in a community, business, or professional organization).
More important, I believe business professionals should see every interaction inside and outside the company as an opportunity to networking. Life presents a bounty of gifts in the form of the people we meet -- if only we are open to meeting and connecting with them in meaningful ways.
(Six related posts continue this discussion of internal networking. Check out part 1, part 2, part 3 (this post), part 4, part 5, part 6, and part 7.)
Setting goals for your internal networking effort
I've been asked to address the topic of how to determine individuals in your organization with whom you seek to network. In other words, who are the individuals whose assistance/support is essential for furthering your career?
Before determine with whom you're networking, you'll need to clarify your goals -- by definition, what you hope to have achieved as a result of a series of actions completed over a certain period of time. Do you seek to enrich your current assignment, by assume more responsibility and building closer business and personal relationships with coworkers? Is there a position for which you're being groomed, through a formal succession plan? Do you aspire to a position where there is an informal (or unstated) succession plan? Do you have plans to start a business with your current employer as a client? Do you see your current position as providing valuable, albeit short-term experience necessary for you to achieve your professional goals at another organization (perhaps in another profession?)
I've touched on a few goals here that might inform your networking efforts. These and others you identify will help shape the particulars of your internal networking plan.
(Six related posts continue this discussion of internal networking. Check out part 1, part 2 (this post), part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, and part 7.)
Before determine with whom you're networking, you'll need to clarify your goals -- by definition, what you hope to have achieved as a result of a series of actions completed over a certain period of time. Do you seek to enrich your current assignment, by assume more responsibility and building closer business and personal relationships with coworkers? Is there a position for which you're being groomed, through a formal succession plan? Do you aspire to a position where there is an informal (or unstated) succession plan? Do you have plans to start a business with your current employer as a client? Do you see your current position as providing valuable, albeit short-term experience necessary for you to achieve your professional goals at another organization (perhaps in another profession?)
I've touched on a few goals here that might inform your networking efforts. These and others you identify will help shape the particulars of your internal networking plan.
(Six related posts continue this discussion of internal networking. Check out part 1, part 2 (this post), part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, and part 7.)
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