How can you build a support network to increase your resilience in energy management?

1 Identify your needs

Before you reach out to others, you need to clarify what kind of support you are looking for. Do you need someone to listen to your frustrations, to share your achievements, to offer you guidance, to challenge you, or to collaborate with you? Different people can play different roles in your support network, depending on their skills, personalities, and availability. Think about what gaps you have in your current network, and what kind of support would help you improve your energy management and resilience.

2 Seek diverse perspectives

One of the benefits of having a support network is that you can learn from different perspectives and experiences. Don't limit yourself to people who are similar to you or who agree with you. Seek out people who have different backgrounds, opinions, expertise, and styles. They can help you broaden your horizons, challenge your assumptions, and discover new possibilities. Diversity also helps you avoid groupthink and echo chambers, which can undermine your critical thinking and creativity.

3 Nurture trust and reciprocity

A support network is based on mutual trust and reciprocity. You need to be willing to share your thoughts and feelings, to listen and empathize, and to offer and accept help. Trust is built over time, through consistent and honest communication, respect, and confidentiality. Reciprocity means that you are not only taking, but also giving support to others. You can show your appreciation, acknowledge their contributions, provide feedback, and share your resources and skills. By nurturing trust and reciprocity, you can strengthen your relationships and create a sense of belonging and loyalty.

4 Leverage technology

Technology can be a powerful tool to build and maintain your support network, especially when you are working remotely or across different locations. You can use various platforms and tools to communicate, collaborate, and connect with your network members. For example, you can use email, phone, video call, chat, or social media to check in, share updates, ask questions, or offer support. You can also use online forums, groups, or communities to find and join people who share your interests, goals, or challenges. Technology can help you overcome physical distance and time constraints, and expand your network beyond your immediate circle.

5 Review and adjust

Your support network is not static, but dynamic. It can change over time, depending on your needs, goals, and circumstances. You need to review and adjust your network periodically, to make sure it is serving you well. You can ask yourself questions such as: How satisfied are you with your current network? What are the benefits and challenges of your network? How often and how effectively do you communicate with your network members? How do they help you improve your energy management and resilience? Do you need to add, remove, or change any network members? By reviewing and adjusting your network, you can optimize its value and impact.

6 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?