Building Relationships, Expanding Capabilities: How Networking Boosts Team Performance

As a manager, one of your most important responsibilities is supporting your team in reaching their full potential. And one key way to do this is through networking. In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the importance of networking for the success of your team cannot be overstated. By taking the time to network and build relationships with others, you can expand what your team is capable of, manage stakeholders effectively, and attract the resources needed to increase its capacity.

Why Networking is Essential for Stakeholder Management

One of the key benefits of networking is that it can help you build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders. Stakeholders can include clients, customers, partners, and other key individuals and organizations that impact your team's success. By taking the time to connect and engage with these individuals and groups, you can create a network of support that can be invaluable when it comes to managing and resolving issues that may arise.
For example, I recall a time when my team was working on a project for a key client. One of the project's requirements was that we needed access to specialized software that we did not have in-house. I reached out to my network of contacts in the industry and, through my connections, was able to secure the software we needed to complete the project on time and to the client's satisfaction. Without the network I had built, it would have been much more challenging to secure the needed resources, and the project could have been at risk of falling behind schedule.

7 Must-Know Tips For Winning Office Politics Ilro Lee

The office is full of office politics, and it’s up to you to navigate the terrain as best as possible if you want to win.

Ilro Lee

How Networking Can Expand What Your Team Can Do

Networking can also be a valuable tool for expanding your team's capabilities. By connecting with individuals and organizations in your industry, you can gain access to new ideas, perspectives, and resources that can help your team achieve more. This can help you stay ahead of the curve and stay competitive in your field.
For instance, I was leading a team responsible for developing a new product for our company. Through my network, I could connect with a team at another company working on a similar project. By sharing ideas and resources, we collaborated and created a product that was more innovative and effective than anything either of our teams could have produced on our own. The collaboration allowed us to achieve more than we could have individually, and the results spoke for themselves. The product was a huge success and helped our company maintain its position as a leader in the industry.

Attracting Resources to Increase Your Team's Capacity

Finally, networking can also help you attract the resources your team needs to succeed. This can include access to funding, talent, and other critical resources to help your team achieve its goals. By taking the time to build relationships with key individuals and organizations, you can create a network of support that can help you secure the resources your team needs to thrive.
For example, I was leading a team that was responsible for developing a new technology platform. However, we faced a challenge: we needed additional funding to complete the project and bring the platform to market. I reached out to my network of contacts in the industry and, through my connections, was able to secure the funding we needed to complete the project. The platform was a huge success, and the additional funding allowed us to bring it to market much sooner than we would have been able to otherwise. This was a prime example of how networking can help you attract the resources your team needs to succeed.

As a manager, taking the time to network is essential for supporting your team's success. By building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, expanding what your team is capable of, and attracting the resources your team needs, you can help your team achieve more and reach its full potential.