“We are entering an age where speed, flexibility, innovation and execution matter much more than decades-old qualifications or antiquated experiences dressing up a lengthy resume.”
― Gyan Nagpal

If like Gyan, you believe we are in this age, how can you be more flexible, innovative, results driven and fast in your actions?

The last blog about the value of a network of contacts is one of the ways you can utilize speed, flexibility and innovation to get to a solution. Or to the person who can help you reach a solution. Since you can’t be an expert in everything, it’s your method of reaching the expert. This means: a person who has a widespread and real network (people who will respond when you reach out) has the advantage over those who don’t.

Years ago, I attended a panel and drinks for Williams College alums in New York City, where I live. A graduate, who is a friend, invited me. The panel was on Millennials who had made it in the media world. (And, you may be curious if I truly walk the walk of building a strong network? Yup, I am still in touch with two people from that panel). One of the strategic development executives on the panel said that he rose in the ranks at the large agency he called home, not because he was better qualified or had a better resume, but because of his network and his determination to building strong connections.  He was known for being a master networker. If anyone needed anything, he could find it.

I am putting the finishing touches on a webinar on reinventing leadership. One of the points of the webinar is the might of an organization depends on recognizing and harnessing the strengths of all generations in the workforce today. Depending on the culture, society, economics, parenting norms, education system and the overall world view present at that time, you were heavily influenced by forces molding your developmental years. More experienced professionals tend to have a large network because of the sheer number of people they could possibly work with, meet, report to, manage and get introduced to throughout their many years working. However, this media executive did not fall into this category.

Nor did the young college achievers I wrote about in last week’s blog.

Unlike popular behavior may say, having a strong network is not simply for the more seasoned workers.  And, it’s not only thoughtfully built and kept for the benefit of people born in the Baby Boomers and Gen X years. In fact, by necessity many young professionals have to build strong networks: journalists, lawyers, accountants, the first member of a family to graduate college and pursue a professional career, and those who don’t have family members they can count on. In these situations, how else could you find sources, clients, referral sources, and mentors?

You, younger professional, rather than saying a network is for those other people. Why not step into your potential and start by reaching out to a new contact? Uh-huh. Begin to grow your contact list right this very instant. And, I’ll only be filled with joy if you want to email and connect with me: susan@susangoldbergleadership.com and my linkedin profile is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susangoldbergconsult

 

The world right now needs more leaders and the right leaders.

If you are in a position to support others or you are called to bring forth good change, encouragement, and growth – you want full access to your potential. Choose yourself first so that you may impact others to use their full capability.

If you would like to have a conversation on how you can do this, contact me: Susan@SusanGoldbergLeadership.com

We can grow together. Coaching is a give and receive process, which I recognize and appreciate with the Millennial generation.