The document discusses how networks are important for work performance. It defines networks as relationships that allow people to exchange information, complete work, get advice, and solve problems. High performers are more likely to build quality relationships, invest in relationships to gain expertise, position themselves at key network points to leverage others, and cultivate external ties. Growing networks requires focusing on giving to others rather than just receiving.

1. “ Who” Trumps “How”: How Growing Your Networks Can Help You Maya Townsend www.partneringresources.com 617.395.8396 Click on the arrow to move from slide to slide Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

2. Founder of management consulting firm Partnering Resources Specializes in identifying the hidden web of relationships that drive organization performance and helping leaders reach across the “white spaces” to develop solutions that stick. Teaches leadership, strategy, and alignment at Northeastern University and Boston University Corporate Education Center. Published by CIO.Com, Mass High Tech, Chief Learning Officer , and other magazines and journals Serves on the Editorial Review Board for OD Practitioner , the premier organization development practitioner journal in the United States. About the Presenter, Maya Townsend 617.395.8396 ٠ maya@partneringresources.com ٠ www.partneringresources.com Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

3. The point The top 20% of performers in organizations are more likely to cultivate and leverage their networks Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

4. AGENDA What is a network? Why are networks important? How do high performers use networks? Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

5. What’s a network? Networks are all about movement Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources. Computer networks move information from location to location Public transportation networks help people travel in cities The circulatory system carries oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from our cells

6. The simplest work network Sam knows how to answer the question so Mary connects you to Sam Human networks are also all about movement: The movement of information Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources. You have a question You ask Mary at the next desk She doesn’t know the answer and calls Sam for advice Problem solved!

7. People form networks within teams You know Mary Mary’s well connected: she interacts frequently with four other people You’re also connected to Ami And Sam regularly interacts with two other people Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

8. The more people, the more complex the networks become Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

9. In other words… A network consists of the trusted relationships created by employees in order to… Exchange information Complete work Get advice Solve problems Socialize Facebook and LinkedIn help you connect with people and build networks. TouchGraph and Nexus help you visualize networks. Presentation © 2009 Maya Townsend

10. WHY ARE NETWORKS IMPORTANT? Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

11. When we think of work as something we do alone, we tend to forget the interconnectedness of everything we do... and how we need others to get things done. Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

12. If we want to succeed, we need to look past the organization chart… Jane is at the individual contributor level on the org chart Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

13. … to what lies beneath Jane is at the center of this network—10 people work directly with her, as indicated by the solid lines Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

14. … to what lies beneath What if Jane were to leave the company? Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

15. … to what lies beneath Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources. Without Jane, the organization fractures and forms three silos

16. HOW DO HIGH PERFORMERS USE NETWORKS? Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

17. High performers are more likely to… Build high-quality relationships Invest in relationships to extend expertise, balance biases, and prevent career traps Position selves at key network points and leverage people around them Cultivate select ties with external experts The top 20% of employees are more likely to build and maintain networks Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources. From Cross, Thomas, & Light, How Top Talent Uses Networks and Where Rising Stars Get Trapped

18. In which area do you need to invest more attention? Build high-quality relationships Invest in relationships that extend expertise, balance biases, and prevent career traps Position myself at key network points and leverage people around me Cultivate select ties with external experts Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

19. Considerations when building and maintaining networks Operational networking Who do you need in order to get things done? Personal networking Who do you need in order to develop professionally? Strategic networking Who do you need to build the future you want? Qualities Demographics Location Knowledge Hubs & gatekeepers Growing networks requires more giving than receiving! Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

20. TO LEARN MORE… Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.

21. Maya Townsend , founder of Partnering Resources Phone: 617.395.8396 Email: [email_address] Explore: www.partneringresources.com/resources.html Contact Presentation © 2009 Partnering Resources.