The climate of some organizations is more conducive to informal cooperation than that of others. But, whatever the tone of relationships where you work, your job will go more smoothly if you build a trusting rapport with your colleagues and other employees. Here are some ways you can benefit from widening your personal network:
- Exchange of information. What’s the top brass thinking? How is a multide partmental project really going? What personnel changes are in the wind, and what implications does that have for your group? Who has been talking to whom? Answers to questions like these are often gotten faster through casual conversation than through official channels.
- Quick answers. How reliable is a given supplier? What’s that client’s account number? Whom should you call at headquarters? Is there a trade association that might supply you with background facts for your speech? Who is temporarily taking over a sick colleague’s work? If you have the right in-house contacts, you get immediate answers with one phone call.
- Support. You want to change a procedure. You have an idea you’d like to try out. You disagree with a proposal your boss is considering. The larger your network, the better your chances of getting the support and cooperation you need.
- Emergency assistance. You have two people out sick, and a big job just appeared; you need to “borrow” someone from another work group. Or, you’ve got an irate client on the phone; you need to find an answer while you put her on “hold.” Or, your department runs short of supplies in the middle of a rush job; you can’t wait for the requisition process. Well-placed friends can help you out when you’re in need. You have to work at building a wider network. Here’s how:
- Get connected through friends you already have. Being a friendof-a-friend is probably the quickest way to develop mutual trust and cooperation.
- Stop to talk when you see people you would like to know better. You might even go out of your way to improve your chances of running into them.
- Make the first move by broaching common problems and asking friendly questions. The best first move is to offer assistance of some kind.
- Share credit. When something goes well that involves your work group and someone else’s, express your appreciation to the other person for your mutual success. When others congratulate you, be sure to mention your colleague’s contribution.
Observation: The key to effective networking is establishing trust, You can blow a whole chain of relationships with one small indiscretion. If you have a reputation for discretion, your network will continue to grow, and this is certain to strengthen your position in the long run.
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