Build a Network That Boosts Your Performance
| We know how important relationship-building is at work. But it’s critical to build a network that compensates for your weaknesses rather than reinforcing your existing strengths. To grow a network that boosts your performance, the key is to surround yourself with people who support you in areas where your cognitive style is not naturally suited. Here’s how to do it. Identify your cognitive style. Are you more of an innovator (someone who excels at generating new ideas) or an adaptor (someone who’s skilled at implementing ideas but lacks creativity)? Do some reflecting on your habits and preferences and consider where you fall on the spectrum between the two extremes. Map your network. Start by creating a list of your contacts, including colleagues, collaborators, mentors, and other people you interact with regularly at work. Then categorize them based on your relationships—for example, close colleagues, distant colleagues, mentors, leaders, and so on. Develop complementary relationships. Identify who in your network complements your cognitive style, then develop those working relationships. |
| This tip is adapted from “Surround Yourself with Colleagues Who Boost Your Performance,” by Gianluca Carnabuci and Eric Quintane |
