Expand Your Network

When we hear the word "network" today, we often think of impersonal relationships in which people use each other to get what they want.  This shouldn't be; it should be authentic and yet strategic.  The people that we choose to keep company with speaks volumes about our character, reputation, and personal brand.  While we are able to influence them to some degree, their effects on us are much more profound.   

Lynda Gratton on the London Business School points out that there are 3 types of networks: The Posse, The Regenerative Community, and The Big Idea Crowd.  Each one of these networks adds unique value to influencing your reputation and moving you towards the person you aspire to be.  

The Posse can be described as people similar to you who have relatively the same skill set.  Coworkers and other peers would be a good example.  These are people that you would seek advice from and problem solve.  Additionally, this group probably has the best understanding of your professional strengths and weaknesses.  

The Regenerative Community describes your strongest personal relationships such as a spouse or close friends.  This is the smallest of your networks, but can provide the deepest insights into your true identity, character, and desires.  They know your body language and often times understand the context of your actions better than you do yourself.

The Big Idea Crowd exposes you to new ideas and ways of thinking.  These are mentoring relationships that challenge you to get outside your comfort zones. For me, I instantly think of TEDx and their mission to promote “ideas worth spreading”.  There are countless videos that explore ideas on health, innovation, technology, and much more. While this network’s influence can be profound, the depth of these relationships is typically much less than the other two.  

Become an Information Broker (Through Your Network)

An article from from Harvard Business Review a number of years ago discussed how a strong network allows someone to become an information broker.  This allows them to leverage whom they know for what they know.   There are three unique advantages that a robust network will provide: private information, access to a diverse skill set, and power.

1. Private Information - This type of information gives insights into relevant, but not widely known knowledge.  It can provide context for why people do what they do. For example, suppose you work closely with someone who always seems to be in a negative mood and is quick to attack others whenever they make a mistake.  No one enjoys their company.  A natural reaction is to resent this person and speak ill of them.  

Now what if you were given private information about a personal tragedy or difficult situation that this individual was experiencing.  This turns the situation on its head.  Although it doesn't justify their actions, it provides greater clarity for understanding their attitude and will influence how you view them.  Use great care with this information because it is provided in trust.

2. Access to a Diverse Skill Set - There is no doubt that we living in a world with an abundance of information.  The Internet and interconnected nature of our society has transformed much of the work we do.  Jobs are becoming more specialized and increasing our interdependence on each other.  The saying that “knowledge equals power” doesn't hold as true today as it once did.  A more accurate statement would be that pertinent information equals power.  

As our world grows in complexity, we need to increase our access to a wider range of skill sets.  While we should have a general competence about these skills, having a network of relationships with these individuals will allow you to be much more effective.  The more diverse the information or skill set that you need, the greater value these these types of people will be to your network.  

In business today, think of the many roles that are needed for success such as accounting, operations, sales,  marketing, product development, and customer service.   The list goes on and on.  All must work in harmony together to achieve their goal. Recognizing the importance of each of these areas will help direct your focus to build relationships with these individuals and strengthen your network.

3. Power - In order to be an effective information broker, power is needed.  This is not some power trip to give you an ego boost.  This is addressing the type of information that you communicate.  Is it important? Do the words you use carry weight?  A simple way to test this is to evaluate the amount attention and action you generate from speaking.  What is your mindset when you speak? Do you seek to influence your network in a positive manner that will bring encouragement and growth or do you gossip, complain, and share your pessimistic view on life?

A number of years ago, traditional organizations were very hierarchical and power was concentrated at the very top.  Decision were made after consulting only a few individuals.  Many organizations today are moving away from this model and empowering their employees to share ideas and insights.  Embrace this power carefully and be sure what you are contributing is of value.  If done correctly, you will see your influence increase.  Wise organizations today will give their employees a voice and leverage their collective power to bring improvements.  

Giving of Yourself to Others

In order to work well with others and have a strong network, you must be extremely generous with your own time and talents.  Give freely; give often and do not expect anything in return.  People do not like to feel indebted to others.  When asked for your opinion or a favor, embrace the opportunity with humility and be a cheerful giver.  While you shouldn't minimize your contributions to others, you shouldn't boast about them either.  

 This mindset takes the opposite approach of most everyone else.  Instead of approaching everyone with what you want, look for ways to help them get what they want.  Seek to help them achieve their goals.  If done sincerely, you will leave quite an impression and others will be happy to return the favor.

What are your thoughts on networks?  Please share your insights.

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