I recently attended a seminar about networking that really made me reflect on how I have been approaching this important activity in business. I attend a lot of functions and consider that I’m quite an effective networker but am I a ‘discerning’ networker? This was a description used in the seminar.

 That question has really made me re-think some of the ways that I approach networking.

When I decide to attend an event or function, I realise that I need to think more carefully about the ‘purpose’ or ‘why’ behind attending that particular event. Usually I attend because I’m interested in the speaker or the topic and my primary driver is to learn, whereas my secondary driver is to network. What I have now realised is that I may need to be more ‘discerning’ about which events I do decide to attend, based on who is likely to be attending and if those people are the target audience I would like to meet as part of my networking activities.

The seminar was also a timely reminder about what tends to happen to the myriad of business cards that people collect when they network… usually they sit in someone’s drawer, never to be looked at again! A more constructive and productive approach is to have a plan after an event to identify which of the new contacts are appropriate to follow up and then schedule a time to do exactly that. Otherwise it will never happen.

What do you do with the business cards of new people whom you meet at events?  

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In my experience stepping into various leadership roles throughout my career, lifelong learning has been a cornerstone. Having an open mind and continuing to develop, grow and improve means you will be moving forward and will be living fully to your potential. Others notice this, and leadership opportunities come your way.

Investing in yourself and your own development is critical. It’s a value that is important to me and that I believe all leaders need to do on a daily basis.

Your development could involve formal learning programs linked to universities or workshops, or conferences and seminars that are more about personal growth and development. Coaching and mentoring are accelerated methods of learning because they are one-to-one and tailored specifically for you. These learning styles can take the form of structured programs, or be as informal as a regular coffee date with your mentor.

Networking to meet other people is a valuable habit to adopt – you learn so much faster from others in terms of what they do and how they do it! Building my own career, I have found it valuable to belong to both informal and formal networks of people related to my areas of business as well as from more diverse sectors.

Continuous and deliberate learning, including learning from others, is part of helping you have a better understanding of who you are, what you are passionate about and defining and clarifying your purpose – all essential qualities of a good leader.

An area I’m focusing on at the moment is storytelling: I’m keen to develop my skills in this area. I’m reading and attending workshops, and I belong to a group that practices storytelling skills. Public speaking and presentations are part of the everyday life of a leader and I want to do this well through the art of storytelling.

Investing in yourself and your own development is critical.
Remarkable leaders strive to be the best they can in all that they do.

What areas do you need to learn more about this year, to step into your next leadership role?

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