How can I sustain my good contacts at work?
Read below the fold for more…
BiG event report
Business in Glasgow welcomed Marjorie Calder of ‘The BIG Partnership’ for her first visit. Under her guidance we explored the issues surrounding the practice of networking which plays an important role for many business people.
Marjorie outlined some of the difficulties of networking, particularly the moral basis in which we conduct the process. Firstly, she highlighted that we may feel that the networking process is somewhat selfish and that we engage in it due to self-interest however, she gave clear examples of why this does not need to be the case. She indicated that there is nothing wrong in having prospects of advancing your own business or your own interests out of the networking engagement, providing that your motivation in working with someone else was done with complete honesty, integrity, and a genuine friendliness and willingness to engage with others.
Marjorie illustrated from her own wide experience some of the positives and negatives in networking, and helpfully reminded us that it is not always easy, simple or rewarding as sometimes your attempts at networking can be coldly rejected by others. Marjorie always considered that was the other person’s loss rather than your own.
She also felt that it is not always beneficial either to the person to whom you are engaging in conversation or relating to; to always simply agree with them for the sake of not wishing to spoil the relationship. There are times when, in the process of discussing with other people you challenge their thinking in a kind but robust way, for otherwise how will they learn and grow through the situation, in as much as it is appropriate for ourselves to do also the same.
Marjorie demonstrated roundedness in her approach to people and felt that overall; the best way to approach networking is to be honest and straightforward. Even though at times it does not always have a positive outcome it is important for your own personal integrity that the encounter has remained sincere and should not leave you with a sense of self-recrimination afterwards. She admitted that she does not always get it right nor does anyone else, but as always, being open to learn even from our mistakes is a very positive process and produces a positive outcome in the long run.
02 Dec 2008 |
