What do you do if your boss is not supportive of your network-building efforts?

1 Assess Intent

Before taking any drastic steps, it's important to understand why your boss may not support your networking efforts. Perhaps they're concerned about intellectual property or proprietary information being shared, or they might be worried about you being poached by competitors. It could also be a simple misunderstanding of what networking entails. Engage in a calm and constructive conversation to clarify your intentions and address any concerns they might have. This conversation can be an opportunity to explain the mutual benefits of networking in the Control Engineering field, such as staying updated on industry trends and creating opportunities for collaboration.

2 Build Trust

Building trust with your boss is essential. Demonstrate that your networking activities are in line with the company's goals and values. You might need to reassure them that your participation in professional groups or events is to enhance the company's reputation and not just for personal gain. Show them how your network can be a resource to solve complex engineering problems, find new talent, or even identify potential clients. By aligning your networking goals with the company's objectives, you can help your boss see the value in what you're doing.

3 Network Internally

If external networking is a concern, focus on strengthening your internal network within the company. This can include departments that interact with Control Engineering, like manufacturing, quality assurance, or research and development. By doing so, you're demonstrating the value of cross-departmental connections and how they can lead to innovative solutions and improved processes. Internal networking can also showcase your collaborative spirit and leadership potential to your boss.

4 Leverage Success

Whenever your networking leads to a positive outcome, share the success with your boss. If a contact provided insight that improved a control system's design or efficiency, let your boss know. Highlighting the tangible benefits of your networking efforts can help shift their perspective. When they see concrete examples of how your connections benefit the company, they may become more supportive of your efforts to build and maintain a professional network.

5 Adjust Tactics

If despite your best efforts, your boss remains unsupportive, you may need to adjust your networking tactics. Consider low-profile networking activities that don't require overt support from your boss, such as participating in online forums or attending webinars related to Control Engineering. These can be done outside of work hours and still contribute significantly to your professional development and industry knowledge.

6 Seek Mentors

Lastly, seek out mentors within or outside your organization who value networking and can provide guidance. They can offer advice on navigating corporate dynamics while still expanding your professional circle. A mentor with experience in Control Engineering can also introduce you to their network, which can be invaluable if you're finding it difficult to build your own due to a lack of support at work.