How to Take the Politics Out of Networking
How do you feel when you enter a convention or networking event? Nervous, shy, uncomfortable?
This distress is understandable.
Typically, we rise through the ranks through our strong command of the technical elements of their jobs and a 24/7 focus on accomplishing our objectives. When challenged to move beyond our functional specialty and address the strategic issues facing the business, many times we don’t get that this will involve relational— not analytical—tasks. Nor do we “get” that these relational interactions are not distractions from their “real work” but are actually at the heart of new leadership roles.
In addition, some of us find networking manipulative—at best, a disingenuous way of using people—at worst, a process tightly meshed with office politics and power struggles.
Humans are political by nature. In many respects, political activity is synonymous with influencing activity. Scholars such as Maslow and McClelland have demonstrated that we are hard wired to achieve, if only to put food on the table or to be accepted by supportive social groupings. This requires that we have to influence other people in some way.
For many, the difference between influence and politics is found in the underlying intent that motivates the action. In most cases the actions — and the skills — are identical.
If the intent is orientated towards self-interest, lack of trust pervades and politicking escalates. When the motivation is to move the organization forward while recognizing personal interest, collaboration can flourish.
Value Based Networking’s fundamental premise is that you provide value to others FIRST. The best networkers take every opportunity to give to their network.
If you are holding on to the belief that you don’t do politics you can create a blind spot which may prevent you from developing positive influencing skills and developing powerful networks.
If this applies to you, reflect on the questions below.
1. When you hear the words “politics” and “influence” and “networking”, what thoughts come to mind?
2. What are the differences between these words?
3. What skills are relevant to each?
4. How good are you with these skills?
5. In your organization, what sort of politics dominates the culture?
6. What is motivating this activity?
7. Where does trust feature in this?
8. How well does all this fit with your values and integrity?
9. Who do you know who is able to survive and thrive with the right motivations?
10. What do they do that you don’t do?
11. Could you find a way to maintain your integrity and flourish in this climate?
12. What new things would you have to learn to be able do this?
Building a value based network is a matter of will. You must be willing to take the first step; to make the effort.
Networking is also a skill, one that takes practice. We have seen that people who work at networking can learn not only how to do it well but also how to enjoy it. The trick is to get your mind around your intent and motivation and then determine what value you can bring to others.
image courtesy of MyTudut
