Agbo Akomolafe
Picture a Spider-web, rather than scattered or disconnected dots. That’s the idea of a Network. The ideal Network is functional. Like the spider’s web, it captures and processes passing opportunities, food for growth and survival.
To appreciate this in action, the *CIPD suggests we think about successful IT Professionals (Techies) and the fast pace at which Technology keeps advancing.
Keeping up is only made possible through their deliberate efforts in networking. That is, despite many being terribly introverted and preferring to work alone.
Techies are great Networkers. They prioritise ‘staying connected’ as they decide where they live, do business and what events they attend. They participate actively in various social networks or message boards.
They do this because that’s the best way to stay up-to-date and also to solve problems.
We also should make the conscious effort to Network.
‘Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to dig a well.’
In other words, networking should be done proactively; and
‘We should consider problems that may occur if/when it rains, long before it starts raining’.
Key Reasons and why it’s important to network:
1) Keeping up with fast moving information and sharing in our own roles.
2) Maintaining connections, vital for benchmarking, as no one can operate effectively as a singleton in any Profession.
3) Accessing business (briefs), research, new principles and theories. Through networking, we can keep on top of research.
Networking is a process of give and take
The 90:9:1 Rule states that as a rule of thumb in social networking situations:
1% initiate new topics;
9% elaborate, comment or reply; and
90% consume the whole process as observers or lurkers.
The 90% are benefiting, but not as much as if they were to contribute (generosity).
Author and entrepreneur Keith Ferrazzi says that, ‘The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity.’
There are two major barriers to Networking
1) Lack of trust and stereotypical assumptions
2) Fear, feeling vulnerable, and risk of rejection
These are quite natural reasons for failing to involve ourselves as best as we can. I mean “we”, the 90% who prefer to operate in isolation or only in familiar small circles or dots.
Turning things around
The truth is, anyone can be our source of answers, solutions or helpers at any particular point in time. We all need to be more open and purposefully turn that natural 90:9:1 scale upside-down.
Let the 90% engage and dismantle the barriers that hinder us. As we network and choose to share with others, we will all reap rich rewards.
Above are arguments to support our active engagement in networking activity, which helps us get information and solve problems.
As a final point, ‘true networking’ is a two-way process. It’s give and take. It is functional and purposeful.
So, keep making connections and sharing good practice.
Agbo Akomolafe
Employment Law Consultant
LLB (Hons), BL, Chartered MCIPD
Based on: “Get connected”, Core behaviours, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), The People Profession.
