Reflecting on
The Power of Networking
Embarking on the reflection of my networking experience during Grow Irish week, I am motivated to enhance the ability of my social network to influence my success, particularly in the realms of career advancement, creativity, and overall professional growth. The encounter with Kelly Marshall Santay, Senior HR Business Partner at Google has been instrumental in shaping my perspective on networking and leadership.
The networking event was a transformative opportunity that propelled me out of my comfort zone. Engaging in conversations that surpassed my immediate career goals, I discovered the profound impact of connections on shaping opportunities. Kelly's emphasis on the human side of her career path underscored the significance of community and on-the-job experiences in steering one toward their dream roles.
“This revelation emphasized the need to view career trajectories as dynamic journeys, shaped by genuine interactions and a commitment to continuous learning..”
Guided Tour at Google’s Headquarters in Chicago
Kelly's journey at Google, initially feeling like an imperfect fit, resonated with me, serving as a lesson in perseverance and adaptability in the face of professional challenges. Her insights into cultivating organizational culture in a virtual environment were both eye-opening and inspiring, particularly pertinent for the project my team and I were working on with the Asian American Foundation. Also, her understanding of the industry shed light on the transformative power of networking in generating practical solutions to real-world challenges. This experience reiterated the notion that networking is not merely a transactional exchange of information but a dynamic process that fosters collaborative problem-solving.
“This experience reiterated the notion that networking is not merely a transactional exchange of information but a dynamic process that fosters collaborative problem-solving”
What stood out most was the sustained connection beyond the initial networking event. Encountering Kelly at the USC home game on campus while I was at the Basilica with my family and subsequently connecting on LinkedIn and receiving a warm response from our connection reminded me of the enduring impact of authentic interactions. This realization reinforced the importance of follow-up in transforming professional encounters into lasting relationships—a key aspect of successful networking. These connections extend beyond immediate opportunities and contribute to the overall richness of one's professional network.
While I would attribute this experience with a high score of 9, I am conscious of areas for improvement, particularly in my approach and preparation. Moving forward, I am committed to refining my on-the-spot questioning technique, leveraging my individualization and curiosity as identified by the Clifton Strengths Analysis. Crafting meaningful and insightful questions during interactions will enhance the depth and quality of my networking engagements.
Simultaneously, I recognize and address a personal challenge—social anxiety—that occasionally hinders the natural flow of conversations. To overcome this, I have set specific goals, including Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), focused on improving my speaking skills and embracing improvisation. This commitment arises from the understanding that genuine connection and learning in networking flourishes when you stop pursuing perfection.
“This lesson reinforces the idea that readiness may always be a work in progress, but enthusiasm for learning and dedication to skill-building serve as potent catalysts for growth.”
A profound personal lesson from this experience is encapsulated in the phrase "it is better done than perfect." The initial apprehension about visiting Google's offices transformed into an invaluable opportunity for learning and building human capital. This lesson reinforces the idea that readiness may always be a work in progress, but enthusiasm for learning and dedication to skill-building serve as potent catalysts for growth.
In conclusion, the networking evening served not only as an avenue for insights into Google and organizational culture but also as a catalyst for personal and professional development. This reflection underscores my commitment to building on this experience, refining my networking skills, and embracing imperfection as a pathway to continuous improvement in my leadership journey. By doing so, I aim to amplify the influence of my social network, fostering success in various dimensions, including career advancement, creativity, and knowledge sharing within my professional ecosystem.
3 Key Actions
to Leverage the Power of Networking
In pursuit of the goal to enhance the ability of my social network to influence both my personal success and the success of the overall network, I crafted three key actions inspired by relevant readings and concepts discussed in class. These actions are rooted in the principles outlined in the readings by Brian Uzzi and Shannon Dunlap, William Deresiewicz, and Peter F. Drucker.
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Implementing the Shared Activities Principle
2
Dedicate Time to Solitude for Vision Cultivation
3
Apply Feedback Analysis for Continuous Improvement
One fundamental principle highlighted in the reading by Uzzi and Dunlap is the importance of shared activities in building effective networks. They emphasize that successful networks often form around activities that are meaningful to participants, creating a shared context for relationship-building. To implement this principle, I plan to leverage my passion for social impact and service as a means to connect with professionals in the business network.
How to Build Your Network suggests, "shared activities provide a natural way to initiate relationships by offering a context for conversation" emphasizing that meaningful connections often emerge when individuals engage in activities, they are genuinely interested in. I recognize the potential of this principle in cultivating authentic relationships within my network.
The importance of solitude in leadership and vision cultivation is a key theme explored in Solitude and Leadership. Deresiewicz argues that solitude is crucial for leaders to think deeply, cultivate their vision, and avoid the conformist pressures of groupthink. This principle resonates with my ambition to become a broker in my network, possessing a well-defined vision as both a leader and a business professional.
Deresiewicz states, "you can't have real innovation without solitude," highlighting the idea that deep, individual reflection is essential for fostering creativity and visionary thinking.
Peter F. Drucker's concept of Managing Oneself introduces the importance of feedback analysis in understanding personal strengths and weaknesses. To contribute effectively to my network, it is crucial to identify and capitalize on my strengths while addressing and improving upon my weaknesses. This aligns with the overarching goal of enhancing the success of both myself and the network.
Drucker emphasizes, "feedback analysis will show where [an individual's] strengths are—and this is the most important thing to know." This resonates with the idea that self-awareness is a cornerstone for effective networking and leadership.
Action Plan
to Leverage the Power of Networking
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I will actively seek out and participate in clubs (such as the Women in Business Club, Latin American Club Mendoza, and the Notre Dame Alumni in the future) and initiatives related to social impact and service within the business community. By immersing myself in these shared activities, I aim to establish connections with like-minded professionals who share my passion for making a positive impact. This aligns with Uzzi and Dunlap's assertion that shared activities create a natural context for relationship initiation.
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I will deliberately dedicate regular periods of solitude to reflect on my personal and professional aspirations. This includes carving out time for strategic thinking, vision crafting, and defining my role as a leader within the network. By incorporating moments of solitude, I aim to enhance my ability to contribute valuable insights and innovations to my network, aligning with Deresiewicz's argument that true innovation stems from periods of introspective solitude.
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I will systematically apply feedback analysis to evaluate my short and medium-term objectives. By identifying patterns in my successes and shortcomings, I aim to remedy any detrimental habits and leverage my outstanding strengths for the benefit of my network. Drucker's insight will guide me in showcasing my strengths visibly through platforms like LinkedIn and my personal website, allowing my network to advocate for my skillset and leverage it to facilitate opportunities.
Tradeoffs and Considerations
While these actions are designed to strengthen my network and contribute positively to its success, it is essential to acknowledge potential tradeoffs and unintended consequences
For instance, increased involvement in shared activities might lead to time constraints, potentially impacting personal commitments. Likewise, extensive solitude may inadvertently isolate me from collaborative opportunities within the network. Additionally, the visibility of personal strengths may inadvertently overshadow the collective achievements of the network, potentially causing imbalances.
In conclusion, the three identified actions draw from insightful readings and class discussions to enhance the influence of my social network. By implementing the shared activities principle, dedicating time to solitude for vision cultivation, and applying feedback analysis, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the success of both my network and my personal leadership journey.
These actions are not isolated but interwoven strategies aimed at creating a network that thrives on shared values, visionary thinking, and continuous improvement. As I embark on this journey, I remain mindful of potential tradeoffs, ensuring that my actions align with the principles of effective leadership within a management context.