Dome Insights - The Power of a Network

I don’t have an original thought in my head. Yet I’m known in our organization as someone who brings novel ideas to all challenging situations. How? In large part due to the networks I have cultivated.

The ability to cultivate networks is a power skill – One that my 20-something self didn’t fully appreciate. It is where innovation lies, it can 10x our efforts, and it opens doors to new opportunities for growth and prosperity. (an aside: Innovation is not invention. Innovation lies at the intersection of different perspectives that come together in a novel and useful way)

Networks come in three forms:

Internal – Peers, Managers, and Direct Reports within your organization. In particular, people who work outside of your immediate team. They help navigate the internal mechanics of an organization and bring awareness of the bigger picture.

External – Clients, Designers, Trade Partners, Brokers, Developers, etc. These are typically the people who often support a pipeline of work, most commonly known as “your network.” However, the external network that often has a greater impact on career growth are those that share your interests, your vocation, or your role in other companies or industries. These are the people that help you overcome hurdles. They bring a different perspective and help us see things in our blind spots. (For me, it’s CIRTN for Learning & Development, Lean Construction Institute (US) for Lean Construction, Vistage Worldwide, Inc. for Business Leadership, and ISPE for the Life Science Industry). Note, if you really want to level up your networking, join the board or committee within an external network.

Extended – Books and Podcasts. This is the hidden network in between the network. A book is a conversation with a thought leader who is willing to share a lifetime of wisdom for the cost of a super burrito.

How do you build a network? While there are many tactical approaches, the key strategy is to give. Be generous with your time and your help. Bring value to others with no strings attached. And if there is no tangible value, there is always giving of your curiosity, lending an ear, and showing genuine interest in others.

Building a network has a compounding effect. For those embarking on your career journey, know that your counterpart is consuming time at the same rate as you. As you grow, they grow. As you take on more prominent roles, so too are they. This is network capital and it should be cultivated.

Therefore, the best way to grow your network is to hold on to the one you’re building. The occasional outreach just to say hi, however brief, keeps those connections alive.