If you’ve read my article in July/August Synergy magazine, you know that I did an informal poll asking “what’s the best reason to attend a national conference?” The number one answer was networking.
You’ll get no argument out of me. The opportunity to interact with colleagues from around the country is one of the great benefits of attending a national conference.
So we all agree, professional networking is a good thing. So how much professional networking do you do on a weekly basis within your own organization? If your response is along the lines of “Well, duh, none. No one in this place knows or cares what I do, that’s why I need to go to a national conference,” it’s definitely time for a little attitude adjustment.
When it comes to career advancement your professional reputation, what bosses, co-workers, and colleagues think about you, is more important than your resume. Although being technically good at your job is a worthwhile goal, it shouldn’t be the only one you consider worth effort.
Let’s consider lunch (always one of my favorite topics!)
Who do you have lunch with, and who should you consider adding to your “invitation” list? (If you have lunch at your desk every day you’re wasting great networking opportunities!)
Let’s say you’re having lunch with the hospital’s Chief-of-Staff, someone you interact with regularly, but don’t often get a chance to chat with informally. You're sitting together in the hospital’s cafeteria having an animated discussion. People notice that you and Dr. Chief-of-Staff seem to be getting on well. Score a “good reputation” point for you. Others may (fairly or unfairly) see you as someone with influence in the organization based on who is included in your peer group.
While outside observers may be giving you points, how will you be perceived by Dr. Chief-of-Staff? Pay attention to what you say, how you say it, and what your body language reveals.
DOs and DONT's...
DON’T
Come across as bitter stressed and angry. No one likes to have lunch with someone who gives them indigestion.
I hate my job, hate my boss, hate my co-workers…
No one cares what I think so why should I try?
Play the role of the perpetual martyr/victim.
I work 60 hours a week and no one knows/cares.
I give my all to this job and what thanks do I get?
My family tells me all the time to just quit, that I don’t deserve to be treated this way.
Engage in offensive humor, which may include sarcasm or name-calling
My boss is so stupid that s/he thinks …
I have to get the okay from the head Nazi before I can do anything.
Engage in malicious gossip about anyone, ever.
DO
Ask well thought out questions and listen to the answers.
What would you most like to accomplish during your time as Chief-of-Staff?
What can we do to help cultivate future medical staff leaders?
Look for ways you can benefit from shared knowledge.
I’m looking forward to hearing your presentation. Is there anything my staff and I can do to assist in the development of the program?
Express enthusiasm about a project you’re working on, a professional goal you’re striving for, etc.
I’m working on a professional development course for my staff. We’ve been having brain-storming sessions about what should be included in the syllabus and it’s exciting to see how enthusiastic everyone is becoming.
Leave a good impression and an open invitation for future discussions.
Thanks so much for having lunch with me. You’ve given me some good insights and I hope we can do this again soon.
Networking is the best way to get noticed and help insure a future with career growth opportunities.
Shall we “do lunch?”
Some additional reading: Time for a Career Check-up?
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