Reframing how we think about networking...yes, during COVID times
When working with clients in different settings - team coaching assignments, coaching executives, leading workshops for Master and MBA students, and leadership development programs -, we often land on the “networking” topic. With the pandemic and second wave restriction measures, with different obstacles and concerns.
Our beliefs around networking are frequently associated with a self-centered career advancement strategy, a less meritocratic way of advancing your career, or a way of creating inauthentic and self-serving relationships, amongst others. Of course, as usual, our mindset on this topic influences how we go about it, and the results we achieve.
I remember, a few years ago, in a workshop with MSc students, Antonio - a very lively Italian student - reacting strongly when I said networking was an important business skill. “I strongly disagree, Ana”, he said, to my initial surprise. “It is not a professional skill, it is a life skill”, he explained. And he was absolutely right! Networking is important for all aspects of your life: we rely on it for emotional support as well as for help to navigate practical and strategic decisions. Besides, it is not (only) about your career, it is also about curiosity, helping others and… doing your current job to the best of your ability. Also, and perhaps even more, when faced with problems of difficulty never faced in our lives.
One of the questions we often use when working with teams in a diagnosis stage is: “how often does each of us periodically explore outside the team, and share information back with the team?” Most of the time, the response is very revealing of how narrowly focused the team is on their jobs. This entails risks for innovation and growth and contributes to a feeling of “constant internal dwelling”, “no progress in key relevant issues”, and “feeling isolated and stuck”.
But how can you explore and innovate if you have an exceedingly small, closed network, or if you are so focused on your current job that you lost contact with your network? Well, you can reframe how you think about networking and you can define realistic monthly goals (number of calls/emails/lunches or joining a new club/group, depending on current restrictions, of course) for reaching out or expanding your network. If you feel bad for not having stayed in contact with that person, start by acknowledging that. If you feel like you have nothing to offer to the other person, why not ask first how you can be of use? You will probably be surprised by their answer.
What we have seen, again and again, is that reframing is key. In climate change we need to think about how we are going to save humanity, as our planet has been around for millions of years. In networking, we need to think of it as an opportunity for sharing and learning that will help us all overcome difficult challenges and thrive together. More than ever: together is better!
