Network Your Way Through New-Job Landmines

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  psd1941@...09/26/08 Report as spam
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  RE: Network Your Way Through New-Job Landmines

  The problem of the author of course is quite relevant to the point of view of networking at a new position/place. But, William C. Byham???s recent Harvard Business Publishing blog on the "importance of networking when you receive a promotion" is some what distracted and focussed only on promotional aspect.
  
  I have read that blog. No doubt usefulness of the starting discussion in the blog cannot be overruled, but sorry to point out that the same not only touches a very limited aspect, but also does not give a correct picture against item (1) of to do, i.e., "(1) Figure out who should be in your network."
  
  The discussion in the said blog touches just one aspect that of promotion where networking is needed. The author of the blog probably forgot the other work situations, like first entry in to job, transfer from one post/position and office to another, job change, etc., as revealed in the stated problem in the above story. Networking is not essential only at the point of promotion, but also is most essential at the point of job change, transfer from one post, position and office to another within the organization or outside.
  
  Secondly, the author of the referred blog has stressed much about the help of a boss, which is quite wrong. It may be a different thing if the author of that blog would have been able to get the most out of his boss, but the reality is that the boss often has no time to educate his new team member. A boss just expects results from the new comer, specifically when on promotion. He never can be expected to spare time specially to help his subordinate in identifying people, setting up meetings, going with him to conventions, and making introductory phone calls, unless he is particularly interested in enforcing his own network or touts and intends to adapt the new promotee to tow his own line for flawless and hindrance free support to himself. If the boss is corrupt or inefficient, his help can tend the promotee also to become corrupt or inefficient. He will not be able to show his own caliber or capabilities at his own. The recent debacle of AIG and Lehman cannot be lost sight of where only the lines of the inefficient have been followed to play recklessly with the funds of gullible investors resulting even the collapse of Wall street to impact the economy of USA also.
  
  So, needless to emphasize that network is necessary, not only on getting promotion, but also in other work situations. But the most important aspect of building a network is that the incumbent must use his own wisdom to select a proper network that may be of use to him to help develop his management & leadership faculties and career as well.

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  TownsendA@...09/29/08 Report as spam
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  RE: Network Your Way Through New-Job Landmines

  How do you know who to network with? If you are in a new position from outside the organisation you are going in blind. Normally its the senior staff under your responsibility who have to be the network and later after you have developed relationships with peers these may come into the picture.
  
  The new broom sweeps clean causes a lot a problems but that is what the new person is meant to do, well most times. Management by consensus is not always a good approach as it depends on the makeup of the team. As a boss the buck stops with you. But you need everyone's input. Team work is its name.
  
  When you call your team you have to tell them what your objectives and goals are and treat what you want to do like a project. The whole SMART approach. Each person has to have a role and responsibility, no-one can hide and everyone has to work to the same end. People who let you down or don't perform will stand out. You can decide whether to persuade them or tell them to go. Its your team and if someone does not want to play they must leave the field.