How can you build a strong support network for navigating change?

1 Identify your needs

The first step to building a support network is to identify what kind of support you need, and how often you need it. Do you need emotional support, such as someone to listen to your concerns, validate your feelings, and offer empathy? Do you need practical support, such as someone to help you with tasks, share information, or connect you with opportunities? Do you need professional support, such as someone to mentor you, coach you, or sponsor you? Do you need social support, such as someone to share experiences, have fun, or network with? Once you have a clear idea of your needs, you can look for people who can meet them.

2 Seek diverse sources

The second step to building a support network is to seek diverse sources of support, both inside and outside your organization. You can leverage your existing relationships, such as colleagues, managers, peers, friends, family, or mentors. You can also expand your network by reaching out to new people, such as experts, coaches, consultants, trainers, or industry associations. You can also join online communities, forums, groups, or platforms that are relevant to your field, interests, or goals. The more diverse your sources of support are, the more perspectives, insights, and resources you can access.

4 Nurture your connections

The fourth step to building a support network is to nurture your connections regularly and consistently. You can do this by staying in touch, following up, expressing gratitude, and celebrating successes. You can also provide feedback, recognition, and referrals to your support providers. You can also create opportunities for collaboration, learning, and growth with your support providers. You can also seek feedback, advice, and suggestions from your support providers on how to improve your relationship and your performance.

5 Adapt to changing circumstances

The fifth step to building a support network is to adapt to changing circumstances and needs. As you go through different stages of change, you may need different types of support, or different levels of intensity or frequency. You may also encounter new challenges, opportunities, or goals that require new sources of support. You may also lose some of your support providers due to various reasons, such as turnover, relocation, or conflict. You need to be flexible and proactive in adjusting your support network to suit your current situation and future aspirations.

6 Evaluate your outcomes

The sixth step to building a support network is to evaluate your outcomes and benefits. You can do this by reflecting on how your support network has helped you cope with change, overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and grow as a professional and as a person. You can also measure your progress, results, and impact using quantitative and qualitative indicators, such as feedback, performance, satisfaction, or well-being. You can also identify the gaps, strengths, and areas of improvement in your support network, and plan how to address them.