Despite their success, you may be surprised to hear that many leaders around the world struggle to network. They have numerous opportunities to do so, but they often don’t prioritise it because of their busy schedules.
However, networking is crucial, especially in today’s world. The mistake many leaders make is existing only within their organisational ‘bubbles’ and failing to expand their connections beyond their immediate environment. This lack of external networking can be detrimental, especially when unexpected changes occur within an organisation.
Consider a leader I once worked with in Europe. He had strong relationships within his company but neglected to build connections with peers outside his immediate circle or across different business units. When his company underwent a merger, his power base disappeared overnight. He found himself vulnerable and unprepared for the sudden change. Together, we strategised and figured out a way to rebuild his network, focusing on establishing relationships with people before their support was urgently needed.
How to proactively network as a leader
Leaders often wait until they need their networks to start building them, which can be too late. If you’re in a leadership role, you should proactively build your networks, so they have established connections when you need them. To network well, you need to understand where they are heading in your career and identify the networks that can support your professional goals.
One approach is to leverage both online and offline networks. Online platforms like LinkedIn are excellent for professional networking, but it’s crucial to move these connections offline. Meeting face-to-face, whether in person or via video calls, can significantly strengthen these relationships. Building a network isn’t about making immediate requests or sales pitches; it’s about forming genuine connections and providing value to others.
Strategies for effective networking as a leader
- Identify and plan: Determine the networks you need to join based on your career goals. Whether it’s within your current organisation, industry group, or new business ventures, knowing where to focus your efforts is key. Identify relevant events and networking opportunities, both virtual and in-person, and commit to attending them on a regular basis.
- Engage and build relationships: When you attend networking events, go with a clear intent. Know what you want to achieve and who you want to connect with. Engage genuinely with people, then work to build relationships based on mutual interests and value. Follow up with these connections and nurture them over time.
- Consistency and value: Consistently engage with your network. Share insights, offer to help people, and contribute to discussions. Building a robust network requires regular interaction and adding value to your connections so be visible. This not only helps to grow your network, it also enhances your professional reputation.
Networking in practice
Here’s an example: if you connect with someone on LinkedIn, don’t just send a generic message. Take the time to understand their background and interests. When possible, arrange a coffee meeting or a video call to deepen the relationship.
Attend industry conferences and networking events regularly, and don’t hesitate to reach out to speakers or attendees before and after the events to build meaningful connections.
By strategically and consistently building your network, you position yourself to better navigate career transitions, gain new insights and find support when needed. Effective networking can significantly impact your career and leadership journey, enabling you to lead more effectively in our fast-changing world.
Great leaders are good networkers
Networking as a leader requires a proactive approach as well as consistent effort and genuine engagement. By building strong, valuable connections, you will enhance your ability to lead and adapt in a rapidly changing environment. Embrace networking as a key component of your leadership strategy, and you’ll find it significantly enriches your professional and personal growth.
Change is constant and often daunting, even for leaders. It’s time to adapt and thrive in our fast-moving world. If you have any questions or feedback, reach out to Denis.
