Take Charge of Your Career by Building an Influential Network with Jo Miller

Jo Miller Founding Editor of BeLeaderly.com and CEO of Women’s Leadership Coaching, Inc. Helps emerging leaders create a roadmap for their career advancement. Has traveled widely in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East to deliver keynotes and teach workshops for conferences, professional associations, and corporate employee initiatives.  A leading authority on women’s leadership, Jo delivers more than 60 speaking presentations annually to audiences of up to 1,200.

The emerging leader’s quandary You can’t get a higher-level job without leadership experience… But you can’t get the experience without the job.

You can’t afford to wait… Don’t wait for permission or an invitation to lead. Don’t wait for someone to promote you. Take charge of your own career trajectory!

IN THIS SESSION Getting the Lay of the Land Your Sphere of Influence 6 Key People You Need in Your Network Sponsors: Your Advocates for Advancement

Do you enjoy playing the game? Office politics Do you enjoy playing the game?

WHY YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO IGNORE OFFICE POLITICS

I asked 169 professional employees how they deal with office politics I asked 169 professional employees how they deal with office politics. Over 80% said their response is to either ignore it, or reluctantly play the game where necessary. In LinkedIn’s survey of 954 professional women, 23% reported office politics as their biggest frustration. 8% of this group strongly feel that they know how to navigate office politics in a way that’s positive and effective. LinkedIn and Citi survey: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20131030005200/en/Survey-Citi-LinkedIn-Explores-Factors-Shape-Men%E2%80%99s#.Vacv80URUUk CLS survey: I know how to navigate office politics in a positive and effective way. -Strongly disagree 0.00% –Disagree 4.17% –Neutral 37.50% –Agree 50.00% –Strongly agree 8.33

So why not just ignore it?

“…avoiding (office) politics altogether can be deadly for your career. Every workplace has an intricate system of power, and you can — and should —work it ethically to your best advantage.”  - Erin Burt, Seven Career Killers.

Those who are politically savvy Have better career prospects Have better career trajectories Are seen as more promotable Are less likely to derail “Women and Political Savvy,” Leslie and Gentry, 2012.

4 competencies of the positively politically savvy: Social astuteness Interpersonal influence Networking ability Sincerity “Development and Validation of the Political Skill Inventory,” Florida State University Foundation, 2005

Who do you know who does this well Who do you know who does this well? What qualities or characteristics do they have?

Organizational Awareness Office Politics Organizational Awareness Being an astute observer of the communication and relationships that surround you in your organization.

The Org Chart

Doesn’t tell the full story THE ORG CHART Doesn’t tell the full story

THE SHADOW ORGANIZATION MAP

The Org Chart

Relationships

Relationships

Relationships Influence

Relationships Influence Coalitions

Relationships Influence Coalitions

Relationships Influence Coalitions Key Influencers

This presentation is available at: www.BeLeaderly.com/ge

Relationships Influence Coalitions Key Influencers Verticals

Face-to-face interactions Virtually EXERCISE: What are some ways to gather information to map your new shadow organization? Face-to-face interactions Virtually

SPHERE OF INFLUENCE

The most important asset you will build in your career: Your network (Your “Sphere of Influence”)

“It’s not enough to have a bright idea “It’s not enough to have a bright idea. I have seen too many projects led by great, passionate people fail because they tried to be the lone influencer. You have to get the right people in the boat with you. You have to engage the entire human fabric.” Sophie Vandebroek, CTO, Xerox

A Networking Success Story A more senior job opening that was not officially announced Encouragement to apply, though she felt under qualified Personal introduction to the hiring decision-makers Insider information about the skills and qualities necessary to succeed in the job Consulting advice to answer interview questions she felt unprepared for Advocacy of people in the hiring committee’s inner circle of key influencers.

WHO HOW Your Strategic Networking Plan With whom will you build relationships? HOW How will you build those relationships?

WHO HOW

WHO HOW Sue G. Andy L. Sue’s right hand Andy’s boss Attend end-of-quarter BBQ. Follow-up to request an informational meeting. Arrive early/stay late for staff meetings. Investigate volleyball team. Invite for lunch/coffee. Ask HR for invitation to next executive coffee klatch.

EXERCISE: Identify your WHO: With whom will you build relationships? Identify your HOW: How will you build relationships with them?

6 Key People to Have in Your Network

The Connector A true ‘people person’ Knows (and gets along with) everyone Loves to opens doors & make introductions

The Informational Powerhouse Strives to keep a ‘finger on the pulse’ with organizational and industry issues Knows about changes before they occur or become official Filters useful information from gossip or ‘noise’ Has information in advance about new projects, opportunities, re-orgs, resource allocations, budget changes, market conditions, innovation, legislation…

The Influencer Makes things happen Gets others on board with ideas and initiatives, and gains agreement and collaboration from teams Their support can guarantee your success.

The Mentor

4 S’s of Mentoring Successes Stories Situations Self-awareness Skill-building

The Coach A sounding board outside your organization and management chain Gives unbiased feedback and individualized support for your leadership development Their only agenda is your success.

“Every opportunity that I have received has come from someone I have added to my network. Some of these are chance meetings, others are deliberate efforts on either my side or theirs." Jim Vick Sr. Vice President Business Information Services, Southwestern Energy

6 Key People to Have in Your Network Connector Informational Powerhouse Influencer Mentor Coach

This presentation is available at: www.BeLeaderly.com/ge