Most of us know that developing relationships is important professionally. We often hear the phrase "it's not what you know, it's who you know"... that gets things done, opens the door to that job you were looking for...
But do you have a Network Perspective?
A recently released paper from The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) - Developing Network Perspective - might reveal the answer.
According to CCL, someone with a network perspective is able to look beyond a formal organisational chart or formal titles. They can see and understand the significance of the informal and invisible structures that support the formal organisation.
They understand the importance of relationships and are aware that often the real influencers are those without the senior title.
They understand that the key to success is that "everything is, or will be, connected" (CCL 2013).
Why is having a Network Perspective important? There are seven key reasons:
- Connections matter - connections provide opportunities and create constraints.
- Work often happens through informal channels - particularly in flat, team-based and agile work environments
- Leadership occurs through relationships
- Successful leaders develop networks of strong, diverse relationships - purposeful (strategic) and authentic networking is the key
- Network knowledge is an asset in change efforts - this is critical in cultural transformation
- Innovation networks can be identified and supported
- The most important challenges leaders face today are interdependent - complex challenges are best address by groups, working collaboratively, not by indiviudals in isolation.
- To begin with, improve your understanding of how your organisation really works. How does information flow? Who are the influential people?
- Understand and strengthen your personal network. Is yours a network of convenience or have you built it with purpose?
- Finally, build connections with those who offer "support, energy, information, feedback and diverse and challenging viewpoints?" (CCL 2013)
We challenge you to think about this before your next function! What shape is your network in? Which relationships do you need to establish and nurture to achieve your plans and goals? Who are the key influencers in your space?
Drop us a line by email or facebook, or leave a comment below to let us know how you went.
To read the full paper on Developing a Network Perspective, visit the CCL webpage: http://www.ccl.org/leadership/pdf/research/developingNetworkPerspective.pdf
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