“Acquaintances…represent a source of social power, and the more acquaintances you have, the more powerful you are.” Malcolm Gladwell in The Tipping Point
“Leaders who are good networkers…are the connectors…They master what sociologist Mark Granovetter calls the ‘weak tie’, a friendly yet casual social connection.” Robin Gerber in Leadership the Eleanor Roosevelt Way
If you read the above two quotes carefully, you will find a clue to one of the reasons that women are considered by male bosses as under-performing men in the area of having strategic networks and using them effectively. The male model for networking is acquaintances and “weak ties”. The female model is…well, actually for many women in leadership it’s not at all natural to think about networks, we think about friendships.
As a matter of fact, Gail Evans touches on this difference in her book, She Wins, You Win. She writes, “Forget networking. What we really need to be doing is what I call webbing…having a great evening with a friend whom you don’t see again until the next time your paths cross is just as viable a relationship…such relationships must become the very fabric of our nexistence…” In other words, she’s telling us that it’s okay to have acquaintances and “weak ties” with other women for the purpose of business success, but we’ll be more comfortable if we call it webbing, not networking!
Whether you call it webbing or networking, many women have to reframe our inner game. If you’re one, reframing your inner game is one of six tools that can help you make your net work. Here are all 6:
If you’re not a natural at strategic networking, these 6 essential networking tools and techniques will help you make your net work for you.
By Susan Colantuono, CEO and Founder Leading Women and author of No Ceiling, No Walls
If not, no worries. Here’s how to boost sales and awareness fast… with zero budget.…
You may not be frightened by all of the spooky Halloween decorations, haunted houses and…
CLICK TO REGISTER HERE for PINK’s 20th Anniversary Women’s Empowerment Event on October 22nd, 2024.
CLICK TO REGISTER HERE for PINK's 20th Anniversary Women's Empowerment Event on October 22nd, 2024.…
“Immerse yourself in the arts every chance you get. Access to the arts can open…