Page 201 - kf fyi for your improvement license eng 3-4-15

others’ concerns and agendas. To participate in discussions. To ask questions. To hold and express
an opinion. The most successful networkers are tuned in. They understand how business trends,
stock prices, personal opinions, and territorial responses affect decisions. Get your boss’s
perspective and consult your peers about what is going on. Read messages from the CEO and the
board. By studying others’ positions, you can learn to embrace the political landscape.

11. Perceived as too ambitious? Network at all levels. Networking inside your organization is not only
a great way to get work done, it’s also good for your personal visibility and career. It’s a good idea to
be known—especially to those who can help you advance. But if you sense that people think you’re
too ambitious, better adjust your approach a bit. You may be too eager to connect with higher-ups
and ignoring other important relationships. Remember that the primary intention of building an internal
network is to advance the work of the organization. Not to provide you as an individual with
opportunities to look good or pursue a promotion. To avoid looking like a “me firster,” reconnect with
peers on your immediate team. Set up meetings with your reports. Follow up on anything you need to
deliver to your boss. Then refocus your network to include people in your peer groups and colleagues
in other functions. Whose name comes up as a great colleague? Whom might you be working with in
the near future? And don’t ignore subordinates, assistants, and people who support the projects you
work on. They are potentially powerful allies when it’s time to get things done. Treat people at all
levels with respect.

12. Spread too thin? Focus on best relationships. You may be a natural networker—someone who
meets people easily and loves making connections. You’re happy to attend meetings, shake hands,
and extend invitations on social media. You may know a lot of people, but in networking, it’s important
not to confuse quantity with the quality of your connections. A productive network—whose members
can be called upon for information, resources, and referrals—has a focus and a set of shared
interests. And a productive network is one you maintain. Whose members you interact with and
whose names you recognize. Before you attend another event, set some criteria for making new
contacts. Before you accept another social media connection, ask yourself why making this
connection can be important to your overall goals and direction. Before you join another LinkedIn
group, consider how and when you can interact with its members. Look for shared interests and the
potential for productive interaction. Consider going through your contact lists and deleting anyone
whose name you don’t recognize.

13. Using social networks? Proceed carefully. Social networks have become a fact of life. They keep
us connected to friends and colleagues across time and geographies. But you can also lose your job
or derail your career there. There are two ways to think of networking sites: Professional. Personal.
Use LinkedIn as a place to maintain a professional profile. Join groups and discussions. Find people
in related functions and companies. Connect with former colleagues and new acquaintances. Use the
rest primarily as personal sites. And then be careful. Even on a personal site, you represent your
organization. Using Twitter? No tweeting opinions on your company, its competitors, products, or
policies. No remarks about being bored at work. Or upset with something someone said. Posting
photos on Facebook or Instagram? On the Internet, the whole world becomes a very big small town.
Take down anything you would have to apologize for—or don’t put it up in the first place. Check with
HR, Legal, or Communications to get a copy of your organization’s social media policy, and follow it
scrupulously.

© Korn Ferry 2014-2015. All rights reserved. WWW.KORNFERRY.COM

201