May 16, 2006
Best Ways to Reciprocate for Help From Others
Hi all,
I really enjoy the enthusiasm we have generated around these networking topics. Thanks for your ideas and suggestions. We have heard some very good advice about what works and does not work for us.
I hope we can keep the momentum rolling so we can all learn, be more productive at work and excel in our careers.
Maybe you have some advice about another topic that’s been on my mind. How do you keep your workplace network vibrant once you have established a good range of contacts?
In other words, how do you reciprocate for the help given to you?
Maintaining a network, which is essentially a two-way street of give and take, is not easy. I find myself asking these questions:
- Have I been a valuable partner in the network of the person who has helped me?
- Am I there when he or she needs me, or do I find myself too busy to give help in return?
- Do I offer help when I see people in my network can use my help, even if they do not know that I have noticed their need? Or do I tend to my own business and look the other way?
I also struggle with these other questions as I try to bridge the fine line between being there for a person in my network or pestering a valued resource:
- How often should I “check in” with my network?
- What is the best way to “check in” -- by e-mail, phone call or personal visit, if possible?
- What is the best way to show my appreciation for my network?
- How do I decide what information to share?
I do not want to overburden the people in my network so they can feel free to help me when I really need it. I want to respect the time of my network partners. If I ask them questions all the time or send them information they may (or may not) need, they might tend not to notice when I’m really in desperate need of their help.
Here are a few ways I use for reciprocating for the help individuals within my valuable network have given to me:
- If I get an e-mail or voice mail from a person in my network, asking anything, I respond quicker than I might for another message with same level of criticality. This network partner probably does not want to overburden me in the same way I do not want to overburden him or her. We are all very busy. If people are asking for my help, they usually really need it.
- In my day-to-day activities, if I run across information that will help a person or two in my network, I will share it with them. This does not mean telling them confidential information I’m not allowed to share. Example: I meet a person who has great expertise on a project one of my valued network partners is working on. I might offer to introduce the individuals to each other, if they agree.
- If a person in my network tells me something in confidence, I never go against that wish -- unless, of course, a law is broken or another person is in harm’s way.
- I try to remember facts about people in my network. I value these people in my professional and, at times, my personal life. I consider it a matter of courtesy to remember facts about individuals, if they choose to share them with me. It shows I care about them.
Remember, a good and loyal network can take us far. But a strong network takes time to build. It also takes time to grow trust between partners. We do not want to forget their needs. If we do, we could loose our networking resources.
What tip do you have about reciprocating for the valuable help others in your network have given to you?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Bill Tipton
Posted by Bill Tipton at 04:46 PM | Comments (5)
May 02, 2006
Tapping Your Network in Time of Need
Imagine if you went to work each day, did your work, went home and didn’t talk to anyone or build any relationships. Just think if you had no other contact with people within your organization or community who are disabled or have special challenges. If you found yourself needing support of any kind, who would you call?
Think of all the times we really need to collaborate, get knowledgeable advice, learn and grow professionally and personally in a more expedient manner. Here are just a few examples that come to mind:
- A customer situation comes up when you need more expertise from other employees.
- You’re working on a project with a strict deadline and tapping into what others know may expand the value of the work you deliver.
- You learn there will be reductions in the headcount within your department and will need to be let go, no fault of your own.
- You are struck with sudden critical illness, which causes life-changing events for you and your family.
- You are given a new job within your organization or get a new job with a new organization. You find you need immediate help getting your assistive software or hardware to work properly with the new software you need to use to do your new job.
Developing a strong network of relationships with talented people isn’t just a benefit to you. It also makes you more valuable as an employee. This is because no one is expected to know everything, but a key part to getting things done, especially with quick turnaround and with excellence, often involves tapping into your network of knowledge, experts and influence.
When a critical need arises, you instantly realize how valuable your network can be. Having a disability myself, I know I need my network of resources I have built over the years. Tapping into this resource when needed saves me valuable time and costly mistakes.
Being completely blind causes me to do some things slower than others at times, and having a network of valuable people to turn to when truly needed brings me that much closer to a level playing field with those who might not have a disability to slow them down.
Building a Network of Knowledge Experts and Sponsors
Developing a network of people with knowledge, know-how and influence takes time to nurture. You have to look for opportunities to meet people and also see it as a reciprocal relationship you are building. You not only want to develop people to be part of your network, at best, you will also be part of theirs, offering them the same responsiveness in times of need.
A network operates in a cooperative, collaborative way. Always be willing to help each other. Remember not to over burden your network resources. Use them when only truly needed so they can be there when you really need them.
A great place to build your network at work is by joining an employee resource group that focuses on people with disabilities or people who are interested in the topic. If one exists in your organization. join and attend the meetings to leverage the knowledge and contacts you will meet within your own organization.
I have made great contacts many other ways. I joined local organizations in which most members have the same disability I do. I go to conferences and seminars which focus on working successfully with a disability. I learn about all the local organizations which are in the business to help people with disabilities be more productive in the workplace or in their personal lives. I make contacts at these organizations and get involved to help these organizations and their clients, if possible. These I have found are invaluable ways to get information quickly and easily once I have established my network.
Learning From Others
Here is one story that demonstrates the value of having a strong network. The great thing about stories is that they are moments in time that carry lessons and inspiration we can use over and over again.
This is a personal story. I learned the value of having a good network the hard way when I lost my vision completely and instantly due to illness. Being blind changed everything for me. I really needed support to cope and to learn new skills for succeeding at HP where I work.
The story, “Will to Make a Difference” by Debbe Kennedy, tells about the value of having an established network of colleagues and sponsors. To read about how my network helped me to reinvent myself, click on "Read Bill Tipton's inspiring story" here.
The ability to network, get along with others and work as a team will help in ways you might have never imagined. Even without sight, I have been able to accomplish much more with help from my network than I did when I had sight. I hope you can do the same.
Go out and start networking to set yourself apart from others and you will be able to call upon this network in times of need.
How has a strong and loyal network helped you succeed in your personal or professional life?
Your example might help me or others. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks.
Bill Tipton
Project Manager
Hewlett-Packard
“Bill Tipton’s Comeback at HP” article
"Disability Dialogue With Bill" blog
Posted by Bill Tipton at 01:59 PM | Comments (10)