Building and Leveraging a Career Support System

"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another." -Charles Dickens

Facing a job transition, whether due to organizational transformation or a personal decision, can be a daunting experience. However, maintaining a robust network of relationships with colleagues, peers, and customers can significantly ease this transition and even play a crucial role in ensuring its success. Networking often gets a bad reputation, but when done strategically and authentically, building and leveraging a career support system can provide a substantial advantage during periods of change. In this blog post, we will explore the types of people to nurture in your network and how they can provide essential support during career transitions and beyond.

1. Advisor: Your Guiding Light Advisors are individuals with more experience in your role or industry than you who can offer valuable insights based on their time in a similar position, organization, or industry. Advisors provide perspectives rooted in their personal experiences and can enhance your technical knowledge, particularly if you are new to a particular function. Advisors are especially helpful when navigating organizational dynamics, as they can offer insights into the unwritten rules and potential pitfalls. These individuals may also be referred to as mentors, buddies, or trailblazers.

2. Exemplar: Setting the Gold Standard Exemplars are individuals who excel in their role and are widely respected for setting high standards. Whether within your organization or your industry, they have a reputation of excellence for others to follow. Exemplars often have access to advanced information about impending changes due to their criticality in their organizations or their strong industry connections, possessing some influence with decision-makers. You may also know them as role models or A players.

3. Market Expert: Challenging the Status Quo Market experts are individuals whose profession intersects with various industries, such as recruiters, researchers, and management consultants. They challenge your thinking and encourage you to look at things differently. These experts are skilled at identifying and understanding industry trends, thanks to their extensive network and a keen eye for industry news and developments. They are the consultants and thought leaders of your network.

4. Bridge: Connecting the Dots Bridges are individuals who know both you and the people you want to know. They understand your knowledge, skills, and abilities well enough to facilitate introductions to their key contacts. An ideal bridge recognizes the mutual benefit in connecting you with others and is willing to leverage their connections for greater impact. Think of them as your referrals or connectors, helping you expand your reach.

5. Sponsor: Advocating for Your Success Sponsors are individuals who both actively participate in decision-making within your organization or industry and are willing to promote your candidacy in crucial meetings. They are familiar with your work and accomplishments and recognize your readiness for new opportunities. Sponsors use their influence and political clout to support your career growth and may be known as advocates or promoters.

6. Friend: Your Personal Cheerleaders Friends are the people with whom you share a bond of affection, and they genuinely care about your well-being. They provide encouragement, serve as sounding boards, and offer a safe space for a break during the ups and downs of your career journey. When change disrupts your path, friends can commiserate, and when improvements arrive, they'll be there to celebrate with you. Consider them your personal cheerleaders and advocates.

In conclusion, networking isn't just about collecting business cards or making superficial connections. It's about cultivating meaningful relationships with a diverse range of individuals who can provide support and guidance throughout your career journey. So, when faced with a job transition or any significant change, lean on your network – your advisors, exemplars, market experts, bridges, sponsors, and friends. They can make all the difference in navigating the unknown with skill, energy, and success. Remember, building a network is an investment in your career that pays dividends in the long run. Make it reciprocal and watch your professional life flourish.

I coach growth-minded professionals to lead well, get recognized, and thrive. As a coach, I offer perspective, accountability, feedback, encouragement, and additional possibilities. I'd love to chat with you about how I can accelerate your journey to leadership at the next level.

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