Developing A Leadership Network - Emerging Nurse Leader

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, FAAN

A colleague recently called me to talk about her decision to leave a large health system after many years. Changing environments seemed like a good one given what she discussed with me. What surprised me was how unprepared she was regarding the next steps in a job search. I asked her about reaching out to her network for help. What network she said laughing – “I have worked so hard that I never had the time to develop relationships outside my own organization.” Unfortunately, her experience is not unusual. Many nurse leaders don’t make the investment in having a strong network of colleagues both within and outside their own organization. When they decide to make a career change, this can be very detrimental because MANY positions are never announced but occur through referrals.

Connections on LinkedIn are fine but these are superficial relationships. Networking is more about building professional relationships over time so they are there when you need them. I recently listened to an excellent Coaching for Leaders podcast in which Tom Henschel – a nationally known leadership coach gave the following 12 Golden Rules:

Networking is about planting, not hunting – Henschel advises that relationships build over time. One should never reach out and try to network and then abruptly ask for a job.
Effective networkers add value to others – when networking, we should adopt a mindset of abundance not scarcity. What can we do for the other person first. Perhaps we can connect them with a colleague or send them an interesting article. The best networkers are givers not takers.
Be professional – have an up to date LinkedIn page, a professional message on your phone and email account and business cards.
Go native – carefully study the dress and behaviors of those you want to influence – dress like them.
Be prepared – networking opportunities can occur in the most unlikely settings. Always carry at least one business card in your wallet and be ready to build a relationship.
Craft your elevator speech – when you are asked “what do you do” or “what are you looking for” – have a short coherent answer that should run off your tongue easily.
Be positive – Don’t complain about anything to people you try to network with – you are trying to build a relationship not receive therapy.
Share the air time – the best way to start to build a relationship is to ask the other person about themselves and their career. Spend as much time listening as you do talking.
Follow up consistently – if you have been helped by another, reach out to say thank you by writing a note. If you have been given some homework to do – do it and then get back to them with follow up information.
Dig your well BEFORE you are thirsty – by the time you need to build relationships – it may be too late because relationships take time to cultivate and build through trust. Networking should be seen as a professional investment.

These golden rules are great advice. Today’s health care environment is volatile, and therefore, building a strong leadership network should be part of a professional insurance policy.