Creatively Building A Support Network

Frequently people think of applying creativity to accomplishing a task. But building a support system of like-minded achievers can be approached from a creative perspective as well. Keep in mind connecting with other people not only helps you to get ahead in your career, it also can enhance your quality of life.

Dr. Anne Paris notes, "Revolutionary understandings in clinical psychology now suggest that healthy interpersonal relationships are the fuel for optimal emotional, cognitive, intellectual, behavioral, and creative functioning." So the verification is there that relating to other people in a positive way is actually a necessary part of making the contribution a creative person would like to make.

One consideration in seeking to connect with other people is to think "spontaneity" rather than "strategy" say Drs. Richard L. Weaver II and Saundra Hybels. By that they mean be flexible and don't seek to manipulate the other person. Be open as new ideas emerge between the parties involved. Don't interpret things as a win/loss.

Three Directions of Relationship Interaction:
Upward. People tend to be quite selective in the information they send to people over them in the organization. This is understandable as a boss has the authority to promote, give bonus incentives, or assign difficult tasks to those in the work unit.

Downward. In supervising the work of other people, a manager is a steward of organizational resources. The time and talent of the workforce is an accoutability issue. Focusing those resources on the desired outcome while maintaining a positive work environment is the essence of effective management.

Horizontal. Peer communication is at the heart of social networking. People move on, are promoted, and a new set of circumstances emerge. They will remember the people who did their jobs well and who were enjoyable working companions. Keeping this in mind will cause a person to treat others as they would want to be treated and thus fulfill what Jesus taught in the Golden Rule.

Networking is not burdensome. It's fun! Unfortunately is it sometimes neglected because one's energy tends to be on the tasks at hand. Taking a methodical look beyond those tasks, one sees that how one does the job and interacts with other people has significant consequences. It isn't an addendum to one's career. Networking is a career priority. Organizations are always in a state of change. Treat people right, do your work well and "what comes around goes around" and you'll end up at a more desirable place that if you ignored this reality.