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I recently had dinner with two women I actually have known for years. Both are excellent leaders with a few years of experience of their respective fields. I learned a lot from these exceptional leaders and friends: the importance of standing up on your values, being fearless in having difficult conversations with respect, and having the courage to make big changes.
One woman wondered if she should quit her job at a longtime company after a few years of success. She was at a crossroads and needed advice. We discussed it and by the top of the night she had a plan.
Our support systems might be an infinite source of strength. Having a secure space for honest conversations – sharing experiences and learning from one another – could make all of the difference.
Many times in my profession I actually have felt like a fish out of water as a single woman at board meetings. Building a supportive network took time, prioritization and investment. But today, I’m surrounded by colleagues, mentors, and allies who encourage me to tackle the subsequent big thing, challenge my pondering, and catalyze recent ideas—and I do the identical for them.
Here’s what I’ve learned about finding and supporting my community.
Be open to possibilities
Professional relationships can come from anywhere. Let’s take the waitress who served us dinner that night. Overhearing bits of our conversation, she told us that she was a first-year communications student at a neighborhood university. This young woman had great energy, enthusiasm and drive. I gave her my business card. I’d love to rent her as a subcontractor when she’s ready, because I do know I could learn from her too.
Look for those vibrant sparks and unexpected opportunities. If we open ourselves to those possibilities, it could result in outcomes we never imagined.
Related: Don’t hold on too tightly to your goals. The best opportunities are sometimes unexpected.
Listen and learn
Build on the relationships you have already established, whether through extracurricular activities, charity work, profession, family or friends. These are people you trust who’ve already invested in you. Ask them how they overcame challenges, found mentors, and built circles of trust. You can at all times draw conclusions.
Be thoughtful and real
In a world of countless possibilities, it is important to define your goals. What do you propose to attain with and thru your network? Create goals that may evolve as you learn and grow.
Equally essential is a conscious approach to constructing relationships. Think concerning the company you should be with, the way you construct trust, and your willingness to be open. The most trusted people in my network have helped me through very rough waters. If I hadn’t allow them to in, I would not be who I’m today.
Develop a various network
Look around your circle and see who’s missing. Then take steps to construct a richer and more inclusive network. Participate in recent activities, ask questions, be curious and open to different points of view. If we only surround ourselves with like-minded individuals who share the identical life experience, we limit our growth and our ability so as to add value. Think concerning the impact that diverse business teams and multidisciplinary research units have on solving the most important challenges facing our planet. Seeking different points of view is an efficient approach to learn, grow, and achieve results—whatever your goal.
For example, Invest Ottawa works with dozens of partners every year to prepare International Women’s Week, an initiative that has grown right into a month of activities. Our common goal: empowering current and future female leaders in every area of life. It brings together allies, partners, champions, women, men and non-binary people to attach, listen and learn from one another to create opportunities for ladies leaders to grow. Everyone is welcome. We have a protracted approach to go, but step-by-step, it’s resulting in significant changes in our community. This impact is the results of a committed and diverse mix of individuals working together.
Related: 8 Ways to Empower the Next Generation of Women Leaders
Strive for warm performances
Do you see a spot in your personal learning? Ask everyone in your circle in the event that they know anyone who will help with this problem and in the event that they can introduce themselves. Very few people turn down a respectful request for a virtual coffee. You could have to work with their busy schedule, but most great leaders agree. And after they do, you’ll want to do your research and be clear about what you should achieve. This will help ensure an efficient discussion and sow the seeds of a powerful relationship.
Make your personal path
Once you’ve got established a powerful network of mentors and leaders, it is typically easy to succumb to their vision and lose sight of your personal. How do you should contribute to the world? What does success mean to you? Take a while to come to a decision if their advice is smart to you. If not, that is OK. You can at all times tuck it away for future consideration or consider how it’d help another person in your circle.
Over the years, many individuals have encouraged me to sell. “You’re so charismatic,” they are saying. “You leave money on the table!” I actually have many friends who’re sensible sales leaders; I realize it’s not the proper way for me. I really like chasing the private and non-private investments that drive innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development. This passion has enabled me to lift a whole lot of tens of millions of dollars for and with many great organizations.
Don’t be afraid to make your personal path to success. If you already know what motivates you, you may benefit from the recommendation that’s most relevant to you. Today, I help lead an economic development agency where I can pursue daring ideas to make an economic and social impact with a committed team and community.
To give back
The strongest relationships are based on mutual respect and values. The best mentors also wish to learn from you. They won’t hesitate to share their struggles just as you share yours.
Career victories should at all times be celebrated, but I’m sure my lapses would have been way more invaluable to the young woman I met on the restaurant. I hope after talking to me he knows that spins offer a number of the best lessons life has to supply. And that when she encounters her own challenges, she’s going to rise – and her network will support her.
