While the beauty and effectiveness of leadership coaching lies largely in its individualized approach, sometimes a client presents me with an issue or dilemma that many others share. So I have developed “Put A Coach in Your Corner” as a way to make solutions available to a wider audience. Because one size does not fit all I present several suggestions, one of which worked for the client who posed the original problem. Use what works for you and your unique situation. Customize it to ensure a great fit. Please post your own questions, comments and suggestions so others may benefit from what you’ve learned. I look forward to hearing from you.
Coach Anne
How Do I Break through Barriers to Informal Social Networks?
Nancy was recently promoted to Vice President Field Operations in a global retail company that sells largely to female customers. In her previous job, she was a part of the informal social networks where people develop relationships that smooth the way for conducting business. In her new role, however, she has yet to be invited to join internal or external associates for drinks after work, football games or rounds of golf that are the venues for networking in her company. Often important deals are also discussed and virtually sealed in these settings or during the Monday morning post game phone call. Nancy has clearly expressed her love of football and golf, but still no invitations. She asks what else she can do. Here are several suggestions. Nancy used the one that fit her style and received a number of invitations as a result.
1. Start a women’s golf league in your company and get corporate sponsorship. Include golf lessons for novices or those who need to improve their game. The business case for this investment in straightforward. Important business is conducted on the golf course and women need to participate. Make sure that lessons, tee times, etc. take place when when the guys are there and show up at the bar afterwards.
2. Invest the time and effort to discover the personal and professional goals of your peers, vendors and other external partners. This is best done in an informal 1:1 setting, so invite them for coffee or lunch. At the appropriate time, let them know you’ve been excluded from important social networks where you can help each other achieve your goals and ask for their help opening those doors for you.
3. Host a football, basketball, baseball or soccer game. Again, get financial support for tickets from your company. Developing your social network is a business issue. After the game you might remind some of your associates that they owe you one or perhaps take a more subtle approach and let them know you would love to see a specific upcoming game. Be sure to name the teams and the dates.
4. Create a gender neutral event – a group culinary event,wine tasting; volley ball game or bowling. Invite male and female colleagues.
Final note: Women must do more of what men do so well – open the network to others and bring them along. Invite other women as well as your male associates. This takes the focus and tension away from you as the only woman. You get to be among peers and colleagues without being under the spotlight and it is more comfortable and fun for all.