Have You Overestimated Your Network?

The Idea:  Three things consistently trump a solid network. We can overestimate the value we bring to others; we can underestimate the value others bring to our customers; and we can overestimate the depth of our relationships and the level of commitment others have for us. In a massively competitive, complicated and fickle world have you overestimated your personal network?

Recently, three very good friends of mine left organizations not on their own accord.    Two of them are very talented.  They have tremendous track records, and I am confident they will find a new role that is better than the one they left.  However, the other friend has overestimated their personal network, despite being very talented.  No one knows of their work outside of their previous organization and they have not built enough personal relationships that matter.  They are not alone.

• Are you one of those people who only call others when you need something?
• Do you go out of your way to help others who are looking for a job and do you make yourself available for a cup of coffee – even when you are busy?
• Would others (truth be known) perceive you as a giver or taker in the business world?

Adam Grant of the Wharton School and author of “Give and Take” has said that the most successful people – the happiest, the most promotable etc. – are givers, while the least successful, are either givers who recklessly give at the expense of their own emotional health or takers who lose support because after a while everyone realizes they are self-centered and do not donate their time, talent and insights freely to others.

Most people overestimate their personal network because they believe their work alone speaks for them.  The problem is that we all make decisions about people based on friend’s recommendations or personal experience, not resumes, metrics or scorecards. Either way, it is about relationships.

Who have you taken to lunch recently with no strings attached?

Are your relationships limited to people who help you vs. building relationship with comrades in need?

The most powerful and attractive people I know (and spend time with) are givers.  And givers have a trusting healthy network of advocates that support them in and out of season.

Be a giver.