Research carried out by international leadership development organisation Common Purpose has revealed a change in attitude towards networks and networking, with 68% of those surveyed expecting to increase their networking activity over the next five years. This rises to 75% within 25-44 year olds.
The research also highlights a growing recognition of networking as more than a social activity. Almost two thirds of respondents said that networks are important to their career success. But networking for the sake of it is pointless. Common Purpose recommends the following:
• Develop ‘turbulent’ as well as ‘support’ networks. The people in your turbulent network will tell you the truth, even when you don’t want to hear it.
• Ensure that the purpose of the network is not to exclude others, and build a network that is bigger than the individuals involved.
• Be forward at a networking opportunity and actively seek to meet new people: Introduce yourself to someone you don’t know.
• Practice taking the trouble to introduce people to each other properly, which allows you to move on to talk to someone else.
• Set yourself targets - how many new people are you going to meet and how many old relationships will you nurture? Seek the views of someone you wouldn’t normally - can you see things from their point of view?
According to Julia Middleton, chief executive of Common Purpose,
“Nothing happens without networks. They are fundamental to the success and security of businesses, and present an opportunity for people to see each other’s issues, spot new ideas and see the risks that are not simply confined to one department, organisation, community or even country. We need to encourage more new networks so people can gather ideas and start to grab the opportunities that emerge from working together. ”
Comments (14)
Posted by Maeve Sheehy | May 1, 2008 10:12 AM
I am increasingly aware of how much time networking, online social networking specifically, is taking up the time of staff in my organisation. This has worried me to the extent that I thought an HR intervention was necessary. However, knowing that it is being used in a productive way that could add value to the organisation puts this activity in a different light.
Posted on May 1, 2008 10:12
Posted by Lee Barker | May 1, 2008 10:25 AM
This is just another example of how Gen Y are transforming the world of work.
There is no doubt that networking can bring career benefits, and it is great that they are recognising and embracing this, but I still think that Gen Y need guidance and help in doing this effectively.
Posted on May 1, 2008 10:25
Posted by Jane Clarke | May 1, 2008 10:43 AM
I have always been suspicious of networks, thinking of them as self-serving and a way of protecting the advantages of a select few.
Even the term networking is a dirty word for me. I have gone to too many 'networking events' where everyone looks over your head to see who they will move on to next, to really want to network further.
This is a constructive way of looking at them though: Turbulent, and not just supportive, networks, and a network that does not exclude.
Posted on May 1, 2008 10:43
Posted by Clare Hardy | May 1, 2008 11:24 AM
Dealing with Gen Y is probably the single biggest challenge for those working in HR and Staff Development. It is not just managing them, which is a huge issue in itself, but getting the most out of them and helping unlock and develop all of their talents. There are different routes and methods to doing this, but networking, and how we allow them to do it, could be one of the keys.
As a HR Director of a company that has half of its staff drawn from Gen Y, I am also aware of what they can teach Gen X and the Baby Boomers, and again networking could be one of the keys. As a skilled networker, I can still see that I could learn from Gen Y's prolific networking.
Posted on May 1, 2008 11:24
Posted by Joe Masters | May 1, 2008 12:13 PM
HR professionals are traditionally adept at networking, and so should be leading the way in developing this new purposeful and career enhancing networking.
Posted on May 1, 2008 12:13
Posted by HR Angel | May 1, 2008 12:35 PM
If you were at the recent WFPMA World HR Congress, there is a new networking forum, MyHRDWorld, where you can discuss and debate what you’ve heard during the event with your peers.
Posted on May 1, 2008 12:35
Posted by HW | May 1, 2008 2:28 PM
Gen Y/Millenials grow up seeing things as global, connected and available at a click of a button. Companies who fail to provide opportunities and systems within the organisation for new recruits to network run the risk of alienating them.
Turbulent support groups are crucial, how often do they exist?
Posted on May 1, 2008 14:28
Posted by Em Harding | May 1, 2008 2:31 PM
Networking is becoming increasingly important to workplace success. Being able to connect within and outside organisations can create opportunities for new contracts, partnerships or promotions.
Organisations can also benefit hugely from connecting staff internally, or by providing the opportunity to exchange ideas with others in the industry.
Posted on May 1, 2008 14:31
Posted by Jim Williams | May 1, 2008 3:06 PM
Networks are essentially neutral in nature. There is nothing intrinsically sinister or good about networks, it is how they are constructed that determines whether they are a positive or negative force in society.
So, what does the future hold for networks? Will they be increasingly seen as a way to include or exclude?
It looks like Gen Y will carrying on building networks, so it is vital that they understand the importance of creating inclusive networks.
Posted on May 1, 2008 15:06
Posted by MandyM | May 1, 2008 4:21 PM
Completely agree with the concept of not just networks that are self-serving - but of actively seeking out diverse and 'turbulent' networks - especially across the sectors.
Mandy
Posted on May 1, 2008 16:21
Posted by Elizabeth Paris | May 2, 2008 9:00 PM
Given the increasing importance of networking, should some networking training be included in the curriculum for 14 - 16 year olds?
Posted on May 2, 2008 21:00
Posted by Mark Durrants | May 6, 2008 2:12 PM
Gen X and the Baby Boomers also recognise the utility of networking, but, with the development of Web 2.0, Gen Y have more opportunities to develop their networks.
Posted on May 6, 2008 14:12
Posted by Dan | May 6, 2008 7:07 PM
Although this is interesting, I wonder what the differences are between different socio-economic groups, genders as well as regional variations.
I don't think of networking as something negative, but it is certainly more available and beneficial to those who are already advantaged.
Posted on May 6, 2008 19:07
Posted by arita | August 5, 2008 11:25 PM
check it out... you might not be as thrilled with all of this when you look at its underside. increasingly too many take the words of too few. step out of the temptation of "group think" and do your own thinking! be critical... analyze, evaluate and don't believe all you hear from these posers and elitist controllers. never take anything at face value. follow the money trail to see who truly benefits from the day's group think mantra. chances are, it isn't YOU!
Posted on August 5, 2008 23:25