How can you build a support network to increase resilience in business operations?

1 Identify your needs

The first step to building a support network is to identify your needs and goals as a business leader or team member. What are the specific challenges and opportunities that you face in your business operations? What are the skills and knowledge that you need to improve or acquire? What are the emotional and psychological aspects that affect your well-being and performance? By clarifying your needs, you can determine the type and level of support that you require, and the criteria for choosing your network members.

2 Seek diverse perspectives

The second step to building a support network is to seek diverse perspectives from different sources and backgrounds. A diverse support network can offer you a variety of insights, experiences, and solutions that can help you overcome operational challenges and explore new possibilities. You can seek diverse perspectives from within your organization, such as your colleagues, managers, mentors, or coaches, or from outside your organization, such as your peers, customers, suppliers, industry experts, or professional associations. You can also seek diverse perspectives from different domains, such as your friends, family, hobbies, or community groups.

3 Establish trust and reciprocity

The third step to building a support network is to establish trust and reciprocity with your network members. Trust and reciprocity are the foundation of any effective support network, as they enable you to share openly, listen actively, and collaborate constructively. To establish trust and reciprocity, you need to communicate clearly and respectfully, express appreciation and recognition, provide honest and constructive feedback, and offer help and resources when needed. You also need to respect the boundaries and preferences of your network members, and avoid imposing your views or expectations on them.

5 Nurture your relationships

The fifth step to building a support network is to nurture your relationships with your network members. Nurturing your relationships means investing time and effort to maintain and deepen your connections, and to provide and receive value from your network. Nurturing your relationships also means being flexible and adaptable, and adjusting your support network according to your changing needs and goals. You can nurture your relationships by following up regularly, celebrating successes, acknowledging challenges, sharing resources, seeking feedback, and participating in events and activities.

6 Evaluate your outcomes

The sixth step to building a support network is to evaluate your outcomes and measure the impact of your support network on your resilience and business operations. Evaluating your outcomes means reflecting on your progress and achievements, and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your support network. Evaluating your outcomes also means soliciting feedback from your network members, and recognizing their contributions and efforts. You can evaluate your outcomes by setting specific and measurable objectives, tracking your performance and results, and reviewing your feedback and learning.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?