The Importance of Leadership in Business Networking
I don’t want to pass up the opportunity to share an article I read The Importance of Leadership in Business Networking. Here are a few highlights:
In all aspects of life, leaders set the tone for how the people in the group or on the team will act. We’ve all seen it happen professionally, personally, and in business networking.
I was once at a networking event when a woman approached me and told me that she had heard of BNI??and was interested in joining a chapter. But she was hesitant based on a recent experience she had when she attended a meeting of a different networking group.
She had been very put off by the attitude and comments of that group’s leader. Being new to networking, the meeting was the first of its kind that this woman, an esthetician, had ever attended. She said that she had expected something very different.
She had been told that the group was filled with positive, welcoming people who would be as interested in learning how to help her promote her business as she was in learning to help them promote theirs. However, when she arrived, she found that very few people even noticed her because they were busy socialising in clusters that were reminiscent of high school cliques. Then, to start the meeting, the group’s leader stood up and announced that he was in a crabby mood and told everyone to find their seats quickly. As soon as she sat down, a member of the group informed her that she needed to move because she was sitting in “his seat.” She got up and, instead of finding another seat, headed out the door.
Unfortunately, it was not the first time I had heard of an occurrence like this. When a networking group doesn’t have strong, positive leadership to set a good example and enforce the structure, the group runs the risk of turning into nothing more than a coffee klatch or a social club.
Quality Leadership
Quality leadership?is about connecting with people. It is about inspiring others to take action and about coaching people effectively by guiding and helping them. Leadership is about having a positive attitude while maintaining accountability. As I’ve said before, hockey without rules would be boxing on ice.? You have to have rules.?Good leaders?apply the policies like Mandela, not Atilla and they maintain accountability with diplomacy.
?Four Keys to Being a Great Leader
Focus on solutions, not problems.
Some people become obsessed with the problem and become an expert on problems.
Collaborate with your team.
Effective?collaboration is a force multiplier.
Be a culture champion.
Culture eats strategy for breakfast.
Sincerely care about the success of others.
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
I encourage everyone reading this to remember that whether or not you are in a recognised leadership role,?people are always observing you.
The leadership in a business networking group is extremely important for the success of the group and for the experience of the members and their visitors. Remember, leadership is about accomplishing more than people thought possible. It is about using experience and wisdom to guide others in a positive direction. Leadership is about empowering others by serving as an example.
Want to know more? Head on over to the full article here for more ideas and perspective. Afterwards, why not drop me an email to share your thoughts at [email protected]; or call me on 0467 749 378.
Thanks,
Robert