TNR2013 Phil Willburn, Network Challenges of Leaders at Different Levels in the Organization
1. PHIL WILLBURN (@pwillburn)
FACULTY, NETWORK SCIENTIST
CENTER FOR CREATIVE LEADERSHIP
THE NETWORK ROUNDTABLE CONFERENCE APRIL 2-3, 2013
NETWORK CHALLENGES THROUGHOUT A LEADER’S CAREER
5. Leadership at all levels
Leading
Self
Leading
Others
Leading
Managers
Leading
the
Function
Leading
the
Organization
Individual
contributors,
professional
staff and
emerging
leaders
Leaders of
individual
contributors
Leaders of
managers
and/or senior
professional
staff
Leaders of
functions or
divisions
Leaders of the
enterprise
@pwillburn
9. 1. Problems With
Interpersonal Relationships
2. Difficulty Building
And Leading A Team
3. Difficulty Changing
Or Adapting
4. Failure To Meet
Business Objectives
5. Too Narrow Functional
Orientation
Problems that Stall a Career
@pwillburn
17. Sue & Sarah
@pwillburn
Relationships Type Sue Sarah
Brings New Perspective to Work 12.5% 0.0%
Confidante 4.7% 0.0%
Connection to the Top 3.1% 1.8%
Ethical Wise Mentors 3.1% 3.6%
General Career Advice 1.6% 3.6%
Industry Insiders - Trends 6.3% 3.6%
Political Coverage or Insight 3.1% 0.0%
Informal Mentor 0.0% 1.8%
Mentor 0.0% 34.4% 3.6% 17.9%
Be Real With at Work Sounding Board Feedback 6.3% 5.4%
Business Partners 6.3% 28.6%
Go to People - Get stuff done 1.6% 5.4%
Technical Expertise 1.6% 1.8%
Mentee 1.6% 0.0%
Keep out of Trouble 0.0% 7.1%
Manager 0.0% 1.8%
Geographic Insiders 0.0% 17.2% 1.8% 51.8%
Blow off Steam - Venting 4.7% 5.4%
Emotional Support 4.7% 5.4%
Familial Support 1.6% 1.8%
Friends for Hobbies 4.7% 0.0%
Good for a Laugh 3.1% 0.0%
Quick Break Friend 1.6% 3.6%
Personal Cheerleaders 3.1% 0.0%
Safety Blanket - Emergency Support 1.6% 1.8%
Ultimate Trusted Partner 6.3% 0.0%
Work Life Balance Role Model 6.3% 0.0%
Advisors for Changing Jobs 1.6% 39.1% 5.4% 23.2%
Hired me into the company or Got Me My Current Role 1.6% 0.0%
Successful or Unsuccessful Friends - Help Gauge my Success 7.8% 3.6%
Latent Contacts Advisors 0.0% 1.8%
What not to do Role Model 0.0% 9.4% 1.8% 7.1%
34.4%
17.9%
Sue Sarah
17.2%
51.8%
Sue Sarah
39.1%
23.2%
Sue Sarah
Strategic
Operational
Personal
21. Discussion Question
As you were listening to the
Network Derailment Framework,
what resonated with your own
career experience or things you’ve
observed in other leaders’ careers?
@pwillburn
22. First-line Supervisor
Transitioning Relationships
6 Tactics for Transitioning Relationships
1. Actively monitor your relationships
2. Start providing feedback from the data you’ve gathered (SBI)
3. Start actively asking for Feedforward/Feedback
4. Regularly discuss the team’s goals/objectives
5. Branch out with new relationships – even if they violate group
norms
6. Delegate as soon as possible
@pwillburn
23. High-Potential Leader
Strengthen Relationships
6 Tactics for Strengthen Relationships
1. Increase the number of different topics you discuss
2. Decrease the number of projects and relationships you manage
3. Gradual Self-Disclosure (family, hobbies, interests, fears, goals)
4. Bond through adversity, adventure, and/or exercise
5. Reciprocate + 1
6. Go out of your way for someone
@pwillburn
24. Middle Manager
Create Strategic Relationships
6 Tactics for Creating Strategic Relationships
1. Reach out to colleagues in the same roll
2. Ask for business advice
3. Ask for career advice
4. Introduce two people you want to meet
5. Help a contact get a job inside your organization
6. Delegate more operations to your employees
@pwillburn
25. Executives
Un-Insulate Network
6 Tactics for Un-Insulating Your Network
1. Tap into your Latent Network (your previous contacts)
2. Spend time at a start-up within your business sector.
3. Attend a conference you have never before attended.
4. Be a guest speaker at a local or national event.
5. Find a personal network assisstant
6. Introduce two executives at the same level who do not know
each other.
@pwillburn