What are the best ways to build a support network in a strategy career?

I was a member of FedEx's Long Range Planning Committee for ten years. The purpose of strategy is to prepare for the future. To do that, first, we needed to define the future we are preparing for, i.e., changing customer needs/expectations/growth, nationally and internationally. Working with other departments, my group designed airports/hubs globally. Great Strategy + Great Execution = Great Results The Operators play a big role in successful implementation. To stay abreast of the changes in the various regions and involve them during the development phase, the key to successful implementation, we met with the operators in their regions at least twice year. These meetings met their needs to stay updated on the big picture/corporate plans

Broadening your network and connecting with peers not only outside your organization, but even outside of your industry, is a great way to build a support network that sparks the creativity needed in your to perform. You never know when or where an idea will come. Broadening your horizons and connecting with others can spark great conversations and brainstorming sessions that benefit everyone in the group.

Whether early in your career, or further down the path, it's essential to build your network beyond the four walls of whatever company you work for. It opens you up for new opportunities, you learn from others, develop the culture of supporting others and gets you into the mindset of you are more than just your job title at XX company.

Mentors are the best strategy to build a support network within the organization. Coaches are the best strategy to help refine your approach and prevent cultural biases, and group think. Having a strategy that allows you two points of view, from the inside and outside, ensures you get a complete perspective. Some of the best places to find the right talent to help you can come from industry events, professional associations and LinkedIn. You have to be proactive in reaching out to mentors and coaches, even if they are busy; the best ones usually are; find out when they would have a time slot available to work with you and keep reminders in your calendar to reach out to them before that and while you're waiting to ensure your slot.

Don't assume that just because someone is outside of your industry/your dream job title etc, that they can't inspire, guide and challenge you. Open your mind to mentors and allies who may be experts in parallel or even divergent fields and roles. We can learn something from everyone!

When I was still employed as a public affairs manager at an international insurer, I not only networked with my peers in the industry, but also on key strategic topics (such as digitalisation or CO2 reduction) across different industries and company sizes. It is the best way to optimally position your own company and yourself in a constantly changing environment. I also tried out a lot: I was a member of the local parliament, co-founded a political lab and a movement where men and women work together for equal rights. On the one hand, this took me out of my comfort zone and, on the other, I was able to test and expand my skills step by step. All of which gave me the confidence to set up my own business as a strategy consultant.

The biggest myth is- You can nurture any relationship by helping others. But the fact is you should only help people by evaluating their helping capacity. If someone is not capable of helping you back, then it is just a waste of time and you will ended up investing your limited time and resources on Dead Assets (Dead Relationships).

Connecting and benefitting from your network is not a one-off. Be mindful of people you can connect that can support each other, email an article that reminded you of someone, initiate a quarterly coffee date, etc. Invest in your network connections in order to continue reaping benefits.

The best support network isn't a crowd of nodding heads; it's a league of challengers. Seek out those who question your strategy, prod your decisions, and keep you on your toes. Embrace the constructive friction; it sharpens your strategic edge. Quality over quantity—choose challengers, not cheerleaders.

Prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of casting a wide net, focus on cultivating meaningful relationships with a select few individuals who bring diverse perspectives and expertise. Quality connections foster deep collaboration and provide more valuable insights than a large, superficial network.

One of the greatest things that one can do is to stay connected with people. While it takes a lot to maintain that connect, it is imperative that one takes conscious efforts in that direction and to identify if that is needed in the first place. It is actually an attitude and it should culminate right from your alma mater days. As one moves along the career path, it is very important to not lose contacts and take that first step to revive the communication if lost.

As you build support communities within your organization through mentors, advocates and peers, also spend time building your external network. This group can help you stay up to date on industry trends, career opportunities, and provide a unique outsider perspective to what you may be navigating within your organization.

Making it a priority to attend conferences, seminars, and networking events, using these occasions to meet professionals in person. During these encounters, exchanging business cards, engagaging in discussions about industry trends, and working towards establishing meaningful connections. This would also be beneficial to actively seeking mentorship from experienced individuals who can offer guidance and share insights based on their strategic career journeys.