How To Make Right People Connections At Work Pt 1

Don’t automatically think the people you work with are your friends, or even part of your circle.

Almost everyone is showing up for an agenda – to get paid.  When the time comes for collaboration and projects, it is usually when we get closer, and get to understand the needs of another, or larger vision.

But even then, relationships often don’t go any further.

What if you expanded your concept of work from your office into your career, in general?  What if you looked at the world or industry at large as part of your “work”.  Then the opportunities for right people connections are limitless.

What are right people connections?

Right people connections are connections that serve a clear purpose.  This “right person” has a skill or asset that can help you in a close-ended situation. In turn, you help them.  But let’s be clear: get yourself right, first. Nobody wants “strategy”, but they need someone who can help them close a deal by Friday, or how to negotiate a salary like they’re worth a million bucks, or the truth about their poor speaking skills.

Be clear about what you can do for others.  Once you do that, you will clearly see who you need. Or better yet, not need, but choose.

Who are right people connections?

You may be able to get at least one of these in a sponsor or mentor.   These are relationships built on trust, first and foremost. They don’t have to be at the same company.

• Someone who can influence someone else in your favor for that right job, relationship, promotion, etc

• Someone who can motivate and redirect you through practical guidance

• Someone who can vouch for your honor and save your reputation

• Someone who can sit with you when no one else wants to

• Someone who enhances your credibility by their mere appearance with you

Where are right people connections?

In the world.  Out of your comfort zone. In the mirror.  Once you become the right person (choose from above) you will be in the sphere of bringing in your right person. This will be one of the hardest lessons in learning how to receive, which as senior leaders, we don’t do very well.  More on that in Part 2.

Originally posted 2019-03-04 09:00:33.