Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.     ~ Confucius

Professional Networks

Professional networks are built over time. Networks consist of individuals and groups of people with whom you associate; professional networks are those people with whom you work, provide or receive services or engage in work or discussions to further the progress of one's organization, team or department. As all relationships involve at least two people, it's important to establish respect and trust so that the relationship can grow and thrive over time. Most relationships are reciprocal in some way. Each party gives and receives something in each interaction.

 

Your network may include people who are above you in the organization, such as your manager or supervisor. Networks also include those who are your peers and those whom you may supervise or manage.

 

Managing Up

Building and maintaining good work relationships with your boss or supervisor is key to your career and to the success of the overall team. It's important to stay in touch with your boss so that communication is open and clear between the two of you. If your contact with your boss is mostly during team meetings you can use that opportunity to be fully present, alert and engaged according to the norms of your culture. However when multiple cultures exist in the work group it's important to learn what the expected appropriate behaviors are for interacting with your supervisor or boss. It varies from culture to culture. If your are not sure, it's best to ask, as we are all in a learning mode.

 

Managing Across

Maintaining appropriate and effective relationships with colleagues and peers is key to a successful career. Often when it's time for promotions, decision makers will not only ask your boss about your ability to work well with others, do your job with excellence, etc., but they may also ask your colleagues for their perspective on your performance and your ability to work well with others. Collaborating and cooperating with others, being respectful and helpful, sharing information required to get the job done - all these go a long way to keep relationships with our peers open and to build trust.

 

Managing Down

Being a supervisor or manager of others means getting goals accomplished through others. Providing clear direction on goals and expected outcomes, providing guidance, counseling or mentoring those who need support to succeed, and developing others is key to your success. This means providing positive feedback when people do the job well, and when necessary, providing constructive feedback or coaching when a team member is underperforming. These are skills that can be learned. It is critical that supervisors and managers remain respectful with those whom you lead. It sets a good example for others to follow and usually attracts respect in return.

 

Regardless of who is in your professional network, those above you in rank, those on your same level or those whom your manage, relationships are like plants: they need attention and nurturing if they are to be vibrant, effective and mutually beneficial.