The Power of Networking at Work

If you are like I was, you probably believe that – by coming to work, doing a great job, and being an accountable strong member of your team is what it’s all about. Better yet: many think that showing up early, working harder than anyone else, and staying late is a guarantee for some sort of positive recognition. After all, the ‘American Dream’ is all about having a good work ethic and you will be rewarded for it – right?

Yes and No.

StartupStockPhotos / Pixabay

There is more to ensuring your further potential at your workplace than simply showing up, working, and going home. Many believe that doing a good job and going above and beyond will guarantee work happiness and continual opportunities; only to become miserable and feel unappreciated for everything that they do. Those professionals that by come in early and stay late believe they are demonstrating that they ‘have what it takes’ to move up in the organization. These same individuals are then bewildered as to why they were passed up for a promotion or a raise. I know I was blind-sided years ago with a terrible peer review and put on a personal performance plan (yes, a PIP!) – even after saving a major client account and being acknowledged as one of the best professionals in my business!

I just didn’t get it back then. I had overlooked, like so many other professionals, a major component of work-life fulfillment:

The Power Networking at Work

There are thousands of smart, capable professionals with excellent work ethics that get pushed aside and over-looked every day because they did not connect with others in their workplace. As I found out the hard way – professionalism and hard work doesn’t cut it. It took me years to understand that being an active participant in a work culture is every bit as important as doing a job well. Sometimes, it can supersede it! Just think: how many individuals have moved up in an organization and you wondered: “Why them? They didn’t do that great of a job!”

geralt / Pixabay

That’s the power of networking at work in action.

Those that move up in an organization do so because they are connected to others at some level. I’m not talking about ‘brown-nosing’ the boss. Networking at work is about building strong relationships with your coworkers, including your boss, and even those not in your direct business unit. You never know where opportunities will spring up in an organization. If you wait until the opportunity appears to start preparing, it’s already too late! The power of making connections should not be taken lightly. Even though we are all busy and have jobs to do: creating relationships with those that you work with is an extremely significant contributor to a healthy career.

Networking is not just for the ‘social butterflies’.

Anyone can network – whether or not you perceive yourself as shy or not as adept in social situations as others. You don’t have to dive into a group conversation and start shaking hands (it might be best if you don’t). Meet one new person a week to and have a bit of small talk with to break the ice. Ask questions about them that aren’t intrusive to see if you have common ground. Anything from children, social groups, hobbies, or places they’ve traveled are all perfectly acceptable topics. Commonalities are the foundations by which to begin to establish a connection with another person. Once you have started your connection (which will probably take more than one conversation) – don’t forget about them!

Connections and networking require nurturing.

Once you have established common ground with a coworker, try to expand that connection by getting to know them better. Ask questions about their kids, weekend, or trips. Share information about yourself that isn’t overly dramatic or too private. You don’t want to over-share and you don’t want the connection to be all about you! Tell a story about something funny that happened – it could be a cute scenario about a pet or similar. People love stories, but keep it short to be respectful of their time!

Timing is everything in making connections.

I don’t recommend you interrupt others while they are working to introduce yourself. Pick an opportune time: just before a meeting, in the break room, or a few seconds in a hallway or elevator. Group lunches are great opportunities to meet new people and nurture your established connections! Before you know it: you will become a part of a group or groups at your workplace and your network will expand, but it takes effort on your part to get the ball rolling. No one will do the connecting for you or take as much effort to get to know you as you will with them. The good news is; once you have established your network, your connections will typically grow organically.

Remember, building connections is all about OTHER PEOPLE.

Even though people love stories and it’s good to be open to sharing appropriate information with others at work – don’t hog the spotlight or think that it’s just all about others getting to know YOU. The most significant part of making solid connections with others is to put the focus on them. Always want to know more about the other person and show that you care about the other person by listening to them. This is great news for those of us that aren’t very chatty. Being a good listener is the most important part of establishing a solid bond with another person.

People need to be able to relate to you.

Another aspect of this is: don’t be afraid to be human or yourself. In other words, please don’t make the mistake in thinking that you have to be Mr. or Ms. Perfect Life amongst your colleagues. As a matter of fact, you will gain more friends by being real. No one truly connects with someone that is always talking about themselves or how great or successful they are. If you are always out to ‘one up’ everyone, people will only take delight in seeing you fail. Don’t go there.

What about the boss?

Managers and Executives are human too, don’t be afraid to talk to them! Keep in mind that you may not be able to establish friendships as most don’t want to blur the lines between work and personal. That is perfectly fine and it doesn’t stop you from being personable and likeable to them. However, if you do find common ground (the best ice breaker) and that two second chat in the elevator one morning might turn into a round of golf or lunch – who knows? But, be cognizant if you feel any apparent barriers and respect those.

Don’t underestimate the power of networking outside of work!

Networking and building relationships are a positive part of our lives that will only help us. For some, attempting to meet new people can be a scary place. Don’t let it hold you back. Take it one step at a time – don’t expect to be best friends in five minutes! The only real progress in life happens outside of your comfort zone.

Still have questions? Reach out and ask!

Contact a career coach to help you meet those success goals!