Most of us who mostly work remotely understand how important it is to get together with our work colleagues at least occasionally in person. But just “showing up” is not enough. Watch Bobbie LaPorte’s August 20 “Calling the Game” video for some tips on how to intentionally prepare for these get-togethers—and make the most out of every opportunity to nurture your professional relationships.
Leverage In-Person Meetings to Forge Cross-Functional Connections
Hi, this is Bobbie LaPorte, back with another week of “Calling the Game,” where I share my own experience and insights while giving you valuable tools you can use to call your own game…and plan the best moves for you and your team.
I’ve written previously in this space about the importance of bringing people together vs. always meeting remotely. There are many benefits of being in the same room with others from your company, not the least of which is our basic human need to connect.
I am happy to see this trend continuing this summer and into the last few (busy and critical) months of the year. Often, these are larger events, such as leadership forums, departmental offsites, and year-end company retreats. Many of you may tend to just “show up,” hang out with people you already know or hope to make some new connections in the elevator or coffee line.
Nope. Do not do that. These meetings represent significant and often rare opportunities to enhance many aspects of your and your team’s value and your career trajectory.
Here’s my case for being more intentionally prepared for these meetings:
- Reorganizations and layoffs are continuing at many companies, and that often means changes to your current support network. You need to continually refresh and nurture those relational resources who are so critical to your career success.
- There is more emphasis now on leaders being part of cross-functional initiatives necessary to solve today’s complex problems. As a leader, you must develop relationships outside of your immediate area of responsibility.
- Reaching out to others in your organization helps you gain their perspective on your value to the company and builds visibility and advocacy for your work.
And that’s just to start.
Professional relationships, particularly cross-functional enterprise relationships, are more important than ever. So don’t take the opportunity these meetings present for granted.
Next week: I will continue on this topic and present some guidance on how to be more intentional in preparing for such meetings: from who to seek out and why (hint: your boss’s peers should be at the top of your list) and what to say.
OK, that’s it for this week’s “Calling the Game.” Hope this helps you gear up for a great week and navigate any curveballs that may come your way!