One secret for change is to energize your network from a central position.
Think of a recent meeting. Who is always constructive and bringing positive energy to the group? Are there others whom you dread attending because they suck the life out of the room? What are the results that each type is able to achieve? Which are you?
Research suggests that if you want to be a change maker in your organization, being an energizer and being central in your network make a difference.
Network “energizers” can spark progress on projects or within groups according to Cross, Baker and Parker (2003). Energizers are those who:
Build trust
– through personal connections and reciprocity
– follow through on commitments
– stand for something larger than themselves
Are constructive in the moment
– engage in possibilities
– are attentive in meetings
– help others contribute
– disagree productively and are flexible
In addition, those more central in the organizational network are better able to facilitate change, gather information and influence decisions according to Battilana and Casiaro (2013). Being central means you are someone who people turn to for advice on work related problems or other business matters.
How do you know if you are central in the organization network?
You can estimate the network structure of your organization with these easy steps:
– Write down everyone in your organization set, with names down the side and across the top
– Estimate the responses for each person to the question “Who do you go to for advice when you have a work related problem or a decision you have to make? Mark an “X” in the appropriate boxes. (For the sake of simplicity, assume that each connection goes both ways.)
– Count the number of “X”s for each person. (Count left to right to the 0 and then go down.) Those with a greater number have greater centrality.
– Chart the network by drawing dots for everyone in the network and connecting them as per those marked with an “X”. This will help you to visualize the network.
See the example below:
Resulting in a network that looks like this:
If you are energizing your network through a central position – bravo. It suggests that people trust you for your business and organizational advice and for your positive energy.
If you need to implement a change in the short term and you are not central in your network, identify someone who is more central and partner with them on your change initiative.
If you would like to improve your network centrality, make a plan to improve your relationships over time. For example:
– Identify those in your organization whom you would like to get to know better and reach out.
– Ask them to lunch or for coffee and / or ask for their advice on business issues. People appreciate being asked and are often happy to share their insights.
– Consider creating group activities or inviting your colleagues to meetings so that you get to know each other better.
– Build relationships in an energizing way. Try to build trust and be constructive in your interactions.
We can always improve our relationships with colleagues – why not start now and energize your network for change!
Questions for consideration:
1. How could you be more of an energizer in your organization?
2. How central are you in your organizational network?
3. What could you do to build better relationships and improve your network centrality?
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