You’re new to a global company. How can you build a strong network of colleagues?

1 Be proactive and curious

Don’t wait for others to reach out to you. Take the initiative and introduce yourself to your team members, managers, and other stakeholders. Express your interest in learning about their roles, projects, and challenges. Ask open-ended questions and listen actively to their answers. Show your enthusiasm and appreciation for their work and insights. By being proactive and curious, you can demonstrate your value and willingness to collaborate.

2 Seek feedback and guidance

One of the best ways to build trust and rapport with your colleagues is to seek feedback and guidance from them. Feedback can help you improve your performance, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and align your goals with the company’s expectations. Guidance can help you navigate the organizational culture, understand the norms and values, and avoid potential pitfalls. Seek feedback and guidance from people who have more experience, knowledge, or influence than you, and be open to their suggestions and advice.

3 Offer help and support

Networking is not a one-way street. You also need to offer help and support to your colleagues when they need it. Help can be in the form of sharing your expertise, skills, or resources. Support can be in the form of providing encouragement, recognition, or referrals. Offer help and support in a genuine and respectful way, without expecting anything in return. By doing so, you can show your generosity and reliability, and build goodwill and reciprocity.

4 Leverage technology and tools

Technology and tools can make networking easier and more effective in a global company. You can use various platforms and channels to communicate, collaborate, and share information with your colleagues across different locations and time zones. For example, you can use email, instant messaging, video conferencing, social media, intranet, or online forums. You can also use tools like calendars, agendas, notes, or surveys to organize and manage your interactions. Leverage technology and tools to enhance your visibility and accessibility, and to stay in touch and follow up with your colleagues.

5 Cultivate diversity and inclusion

Networking in a global company means embracing diversity and inclusion. You need to respect and appreciate the differences among your colleagues in terms of culture, language, perspective, and style. You also need to avoid stereotypes, biases, and assumptions that can hinder your communication and collaboration. Cultivate diversity and inclusion by learning about your colleagues’ backgrounds, preferences, and expectations. Adapt your behavior and approach to suit their needs and situations. Celebrate their achievements and contributions, and acknowledge their challenges and concerns.

6 Keep learning and growing

Networking is not a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process that requires constant learning and growing. You need to keep updating your knowledge, skills, and competencies to stay relevant and valuable in your field and industry. You also need to keep expanding your network and reaching out to new people who can offer you new opportunities and insights. Keep learning and growing by seeking new challenges, taking on new roles, joining new projects, or participating in new events. Seek feedback and guidance, offer help and support, leverage technology and tools, and cultivate diversity and inclusion along the way.