Succeed Without Selfishness: The Surprising Benefits of Strategic Networking for Leaders!

It was such a learning experience to be a part of the COTO community.

Women from all walks of life and from all over India, it was inspiring to see them run their own communities.

In fact, it was really an example of women from "Kashmir to Kanyakumari", in that sense!

This article is with the intent of sharing the synopsis of what I had spoken to them as a guest speaker.

Strategic networking is not only a vital leadership skill but also a critical component of professional development and career advancement. It helps to broaden your understanding of your industry, learn from the experiences and insights of others, and cultivate relationships that can open doors to new opportunities.

If you are aiming for higher positions in your career and life, then networking plays a pivotal role in building meaningful relationships that can pave the way for leadership opportunities. However, contrary to the conventional belief that women are intrinsically more social, studies have revealed a discrepancy between the networking behaviors of men and women.

Women Shy Away from Networking

Indeed, research has shown that women often network less frequently than their male counterparts. When they do engage in networking, women tend to create and sustain connections predominantly with other women, sometimes limiting their exposure to a wider range of perspectives and opportunities.

A variety of factors contribute to these patterns. One of the principal challenges is the existence of self-imposed barriers. These can manifest in various forms, such as a lack of confidence, perceived inadequacy, or the fear of overstepping boundaries. Sometimes, these barriers can deter women from actively seeking networking opportunities or accepting offers to join professional groups and forums.

Secondly, there's the issue of women often underselling their value. In other words, women tend to downplay their achievements, skills, and contributions, which can prevent them from effectively marketing themselves in networking situations. This modesty, while admirable in certain contexts, may inadvertently minimize their visibility in professional networks and reduce the perceived value they bring to a connection or a role.

Ultimately, there is a notable reluctance among women to leverage their strengths effectively. Many women possess formidable skills and strengths but may hesitate to showcase them for fear of appearing overly assertive or ambitious. This hesitation can be counterproductive, as it hampers the visibility of their abilities and potential, thereby limiting their networking effectiveness.

Recognizing and addressing these factors is key to enabling more women to harness the power of strategic networking and progress toward leadership positions. By overcoming these hurdles, women can broaden their networks, increase their visibility, and ultimately unlock greater professional opportunities.

Tips for Networking Intentionally

In the pursuit of effective and intentional networking, it's essential to have a strategy in place. The absence of a clear plan can lead to unfocused networking, which might not yield the desired results. To address this, women, or indeed anyone seeking to maximize their networking efforts should reflect on the following four key questions:

1. Whom should I meet?

This question requires us to identify and understand the types of individuals we should be networking with to achieve our goals. Are they professionals in the same industry? Thought leaders in a particular field? Peers within our own organizations? It's important to know who can provide the insight, connections, or opportunities we seek. We also need to consider diversity in our network as different perspectives can enrich our understanding and open unexpected doors.

2. Why should I meet them?

Understanding the purpose of the connection is just as crucial. Are we seeking advice, looking for mentors, hoping to learn about new developments in our industry, or aiming to collaborate on future projects? Clearly defining why we want to meet someone gives us direction and makes our approach more genuine.

3. What will I gain if I meet this person?

While this may sound self-serving, it's necessary to understand what value this potential connection could bring to our professional development. Could they provide advice from a similar career path? Do they have insights into a company we're interested in? Can they challenge our ideas and help us grow? By being clear about what we hope to gain, we can better navigate the conversation and build a more beneficial relationship.

4. What can I offer to this person selflessly?

This is arguably the most important question. Effective networking isn't a one-way street. It involves giving as well as receiving. By thinking about what we can offer to others—be it our expertise, a fresh perspective, or connections to other professionals—we shift the dynamics from transactional to reciprocal. This approach not only makes us a valuable connection for others but also helps build stronger, more sustainable relationships.

Approaching networking with these four questions in mind can help women, and indeed all professionals, build a more intentional and effective strategy. It enables us to plan our networking efforts, making them more productive, more balanced, and more likely to yield the results we seek.

The Power of Intentional Networking

Intentional networking goes beyond establishing superficial connections. It involves seeking out relationships that can offer mutual benefits and contribute to personal and professional growth. It allows individuals to identify role models, mentors, and sponsors who can provide guidance, open doors, and expand business opportunities.

Role models offer a vision of what's possible, mentors provide advice and feedback, and sponsors use their influence to advocate for your advancement. With their collective support, women can learn to better navigate the professional landscape and seize opportunities that align with their career goals.

Selfless Networking and Its Benefits

Selfless networking is a strategy that goes beyond personal gain to foster more profound, more meaningful connections. By prioritizing the needs and successes of others over our own immediate gain, we can build relationships that are based on trust, respect, and mutual benefit. This approach transforms networking from a transactional process to a collaborative one, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community.

The Secret to Selfless Networking

The key to selfless networking is the mindset shift from "What can I get?" to "What can I give?" This approach focuses on the value we can bring to others rather than merely what we stand to gain. It's about recognizing and capitalizing on opportunities to help, whether that's sharing knowledge, providing support, or offering insights. By being generous with our time and resources, we position ourselves as valuable contributors within our networks.

Building Trust and Respect

Trust and respect are the cornerstones of any successful relationship, and networking is no exception. When we consistently show that we're willing to help others without expecting anything in return, we demonstrate our reliability and trustworthiness. Over time, this builds respect within our networks, making others more likely to want to help us in return.

Cultivating Genuine Interest in Others' Success

Taking a genuine interest in others' success is a critical part of selfless networking. Celebrating the achievements of those in our network, offering congratulations, and expressing genuine happiness for their successes are all ways to foster a positive networking relationship. It shows that we value them not only for what they can offer us but for who they are and what they've accomplished.

Long-Term Benefits of Selfless Networking

While selfless networking may not provide immediate returns, it's a long-term investment that can yield significant benefits down the line. By prioritizing others, we build strong, lasting relationships that can prove valuable in unexpected ways. For instance, someone we've helped might think of us when an opportunity arises, or someone we've supported might offer assistance when we least expect it.

Moreover, selfless networking contributes to a more collaborative and supportive professional environment. It sets a positive example for others and encourages a culture of mutual support and respect, leading to more substantial and effective networks for everyone involved.

Selfless networking is an empowering approach that not only strengthens your professional networks but also promotes a more positive and collaborative professional culture. By prioritizing what we can offer and taking a genuine interest in others' success, we can build strong, mutually beneficial relationships that serve us well in the long run.

Cultivating Genuine Interest in People

One of the most powerful ways to build strong networking relationships is by showing genuine interest in the people you meet. This involves actively listening to their stories, asking insightful questions, and showing empathy. Genuine interest helps to build trust and foster strong connections, which are vital for a robust and effective network.

Advocating Others' Success

The practice of advocating for others' success is a transformative facet of networking that goes beyond personal benefits to cultivate a more community-centric professional environment. It redefines networking from being a platform for individual advancement to a supportive ecosystem where everyone's success is celebrated and encouraged.

The Power of Advocacy

Advocating for others' success involves actively promoting their achievements, both within and outside your network. This could be as simple as sharing a colleague's work on a project on social media or as significant as recommending them for an opportunity within your organization. By doing so, you not only help elevate their professional standing but also foster a culture of appreciation and acknowledgment.

Creating Opportunities

Actively seeking and creating opportunities for others is another aspect of advocacy. This can be done by referring them for roles that match their skills or by including them in projects where their expertise can shine. Such actions demonstrate that you value their abilities and are invested in their professional growth.

Support During Challenging Times

Advocacy also means being there for others during tough times. Offering emotional support, providing guidance, or even just lending a sympathetic ear during periods of professional difficulty can strengthen your networking relationships. This supportive behavior shows that your interest in their success goes beyond just the good times.

Building Strong Relationships and Collaboration

By advocating for others' success, you're building strong, meaningful relationships that are based on mutual respect and collaboration. Such relationships are the bedrock of a robust professional network where everyone feels valued and supported. Moreover, the reciprocal nature of such networks means that this support is often returned, benefiting everyone involved.

Promoting a Culture of Mutual Support

Through advocacy, you're promoting a culture of mutual support where everyone's success is celebrated. This contributes to a positive networking environment, encouraging more open collaboration and mutual assistance. It also helps to break down competitive barriers, fostering a more cooperative and productive professional ecosystem.

In conclusion, advocating for others' success is a powerful networking tool. It shifts the focus from personal gain to mutual growth, leading to stronger relationships and a more supportive professional environment. It proves that networking is not just about building a pathway for individual success but about creating a collaborative platform where everyone can succeed together.

Conclusion

Strategic networking can serve as a valuable tool for women to overcome barriers and achieve their professional goals. By being intentional about whom they connect with and focusing on offering value, they can establish a robust network that supports their growth and success. Remember, the foundation of effective networking is genuine interest and advocacy. Together, they form a formidable combination that can elevate women's networking efforts and propel them toward leadership roles.

Nurturing a growth-oriented network is a leadership skill in itself, requiring patience, strategy, and a commitment to mutual success. As women navigate their career paths, this skill can prove invaluable, helping them unlock opportunities, gain invaluable insights, and forge a path to leadership that not only uplifts them but also paves the way for others.

jyothi srinivas , thanks for the opportunity!

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Tc, Preetha

Hema Latha Hema Vinod Sreevally (Sree) Pasumarthy Dr. Sreeveni V Upasana Kumari , Anusha Chellappa Puthukot , Aparna Peri , vijayanandan kowlgi , Chaitanya Kanthi (She/ Her) , Rama Krishna K , Ram Jaladurgam (Research Scholar) , Hari Vinnakota Kusum Gandhi Vig Sulogna Gupta