The 5 Connection Types you need to Supercharge your Career
Navigating your professional growth within an organization isn’t just about acquiring skills or achieving targets. It’s also about forging the right connections. Knowing who to connect with and how they can assist your growth can be pivotal. But where do you find these connections within your workplace? At Tribute, we can help you find and nurture these 5 connection types so you can achieve your goals and supercharge your career.
Peer Mentor
Find colleagues, not necessarily from your own team, who have similar career goals or face challenges you can relate to. Engage in collaborative projects, join inter-departmental committees, or simply strike up a conversation during breaks. Sharing experiences can lead to mutual growth and a stronger bond.
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
These are often individuals hailed for their expertise in specific projects or subjects. Attend workshops, in-house training sessions, or departmental meetings to identify who these experts are. Once identified, approach them with genuine curiosity and eagerness to learn. They can offer insights you won't find in training manuals.
Thinking Partner
Every organization has its set of visionaries or deep thinkers – those who're always keen on discussing new ideas. Engage in group discussions, be part of innovation teams, or participate in strategy meetings to identify them. Then, foster a relationship where you both challenge and refine each other's ideas.
Personal Connection
The workplace is filled with potential friends. Attend social events, participate in team outings, or simply make an effort to have lunch with different colleagues. You'll often find individuals who resonate with you on a personal level, providing emotional support and fresh perspectives on workplace challenges.
Onboarding Buddy
HR teams often assign onboarding buddies to new employees. If you're new, make the most of this relationship to integrate faster. If you've been in the organization for a while, consider becoming an onboarding buddy yourself. Not only will you assist someone else, but you'll also gain insights into the fresher's perspective, which can be invaluable.
There are two additional types of connections that we’d be remiss not to include. Finding a Sponsor and or Coach, both equally important to boost your career. However, these connection types often become more available as you invest in the 5 key connections above. We all want the benefit of having a sponsor or coach, but most organizations will only invest in these connections once an individual has shown commitment to the organization through proficiency in their role along with a desire to help others.
Sponsor
These are typically senior members in the hierarchy who have the power to influence decisions. Look for leaders who show an interest in your work or seem aligned with your professional ethos. Impress them with your work, attend meetings where they're present, and don’t shy away from seeking their advice on projects. Over time, you can cultivate a relationship where they become your advocate.
Coach
Training and development teams often house individuals who are geared towards employee growth. Alternatively, look for experienced members in your department who are known for their guidance. Approach them for skill development or advice on navigating organizational structures. They can offer dedicated feedback and help refine your strategies.
The key to finding these connections within your organization is to actively participate in the Tribute community and remain open-minded and curious. Every person you interact with has something valuable to offer. By identifying the roles they can play in your professional journey and building meaningful relationships with them, you set the stage for mutual growth and success within your organization.