How to build a well-networked organization

 

Networking is essential in building a business. We all know that networking is the key to a successful business. Research says that well-networked organizations deliver higher market share and profits than less-networked companies. So, to expand knowledge and impact performance, networking plays a vital role. Here are few guidelines on how to build a well-networked organization.

Stay connected and well communicated – Effective multidirectional communication within and across teams is important. I would say that steady coordination plays a vital role. Communication and collaborative skills help to identify opportunities, make connections across teams, spark ideas for the teams to consider, and provide resources to fuel all the efforts towards any project.

Clarify purpose – Always clarify the reason for networking and start with a plan. This will not only help you to get the right partners but also encourage them to meet. Clarify purpose means mapping the system, examining the problems that arise from diverse perspectives, finding shared values, and identifying external forces. When you clarify the purpose and the context, each network member becomes keenly aware that they are just one among many participants working across the system. And in this process, they embrace the networking principles.

Mitigate risk – At times there could be problems in achieving milestones while working on a project. But when you network and involve yourself in both formal and informal collaboration, you tend to mitigate risk. Teamwork, collaboration always boost productivity, add value to the work and overall benefit the team environment. 

Assemble the right people – When I say “right people” it means collectively represent all parts and locations of the organization, work with people across boundaries to get different perspectives and priorities and of course can get things done. Always remember that real complex problems require real collaboration and cooperation to meet business objectives.

Cultivate trust - Authentic relationships are the foundation of all successful collaborative efforts. The basic to build a well-networked organization is ‘trust’. I would say the network is built on trust and always engage with your members in an authentic way. Building and cultivating trust does not mean that there will not be any conflict of opinion. It means that you must find a slice of common ground and work together, despite organizational differences and personal disagreements. Especially in volatile, emerging contexts, trust for impact must be rooted not just in shared purpose, but also in shared values and a shared understanding of how to behave and treat each other when disagreements inevitably arise.

Coordinate actions – Always identify leads and coordinate work. By doing this you will allow participants to leverage organizational resources, collaborate around common goals, and avoid duplication of efforts. When you are trying to build a good network, you have to assign and coordinate roles as well. Network roles may include a “core team” to handle certain governance decisions, a facilitator to design and lead the convenings, and a network manager to serve the network’s emergent needs. Remember, networking goals are met as you help others to achieve their goals while meeting your objectives.

So, follow these guidelines to interact and unlock yourself and your team to build a well-networked organization.