Why Are You Networking?

Have you ever thought about why you form networks? What are you hoping to find? Our early research has revealed that motivations and goals appear to differ by generation:

• Traditionalists often find pleasurable companionship through their networks, which are typically centered on specific groups or organizations.
• For Boomers, networks provide prestige, one sign of where they stand in the competitive game. Being part of the “right” networks is a source of competitive advantage. 
• For Generation X, networks are a primary source of security. They offer options and support during the “what if’s” in life.
• Millennials or Gen Y’s are eager to make the most of every day – to live life to the fullest. Networks enable them to gauge the fullness of their lives, relative to their friends’, on a minute-to-minute basis.
• To the Re-Generation, owning physical objects isn’t necessary or necessarily smart; they use networks to rent, borrow, barter, or trade wherever possible.

Depending on the individual’s perspective, the way you’re approaching collaboration in your company could be falling far short of colleagues’ needs and expectations. Understanding the motivations of others can help you develop stronger collaborative approaches. 

The challenges of collaboration and networking were the topic of stimulating discussion at the Connected Commons Summit earlier this month, hosted by my friend Professor Rob Cross and his colleagues at the University of Virginia. Connected Commons is a consortium dedicated to exploring organisational change and alignment, innovation, talent optimization and leadership effectiveness through network tools and approaches and Tammy Erickson Associates is proud to be an active member.

Later this year, we’ll be launching a research project to understand the motivations behind collaboration and networking in more detail. See below for more information – we’d love to include you in this ground-breaking study.

Until then, I’m delighted that you’re part of my network!

Warm wishes for the fall,