How can you create and sustain a network of mentors and peers for your leadership and management development?

In my experience, this part is missing a piece around the potential and power of a Coach to control or accountability and maximize the performance potential of an employee.

"It's not about you." Effective networking is being useful to others; yes, even those more experienced, successful, wise than you. a) be generous b) act on feedback you get c) be patient with the relationship d) do the work, don't be lazy https://www.consultantsmind.com/2020/12/28/networking/

I look for visionaries and dreamers, mentors who see not just what is, but what can be. Without the use of imagination and creativity a team cannot continue to evolve and grow. I partner with those who look for ways to adapt and who can tilt their thinking with constant market changes. It is vital to understand what your team does, what your goals are and what your deliverables are aligned to at their core so when complex changes occur in your industry you can quickly redesign your strategy and continue to thrive. I look for mentors who follow that same philosophy. I seek out and connect with individuals in leadership who believe that adaptation ensures the success of their team.

Your network needs to be as diverse as the people we work with. Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all occupation, and people are going to be comfortable with different approaches. If your network is stacked with one type of leadership style, you could be caught unprepared if someone doesn't want to adopt that style. The same goes for skills; some people could be better at negotiation while others are better with facilitation. Both are valuable skills, and just because someone works with that one specific skill doesn't mean they don't have a place in your leadership and mentorship network.

THIS is the hard part. Keeping a network alive takes persistence and nurturing. You also have to be aware of who is working in that network and who isn't - meaning who is a good fit. Also be mindful of giving - not just taking. People can tell when they are being taken advantage of or taken for granted. Be thoughtful, kind, caring and try to reciprocate in ways you can.

You need to develop a network before YOU need it. Too often the only time people initiate networking is when they need a new job, are in a jam, etc. This often is offputting as it is one-sided and reactionary. Best-in-class professionals allocate a meaningful slice of their mental focus and time to proactively investing in these relationships. In particular, they seek to be helpful and useful to others FIRST before asking for things in return. Sending an article or podcast that you think they would like, offering to make introductions, asking how you can help, inviting them to a social event, providing (wanted) feedback, helping them hire, etc. are all ways to add value. Remember that relationships are like plants -- they need care!

There is leveraged power in numbers. A properly cultivated network has the ability to amplify both the speed and the amount of the returns of the energy and capital expended when pursuing a new or existing venture. This is a result of your being able to better deploy the human and financial capital engaged towards that goal by drawing upon both the education and the experiences of the extended network to avoid potential pitfalls that might not otherwise be obvious to you alone.