Small Tweak Leads to Big Change
May 22-2014
Networking is a routine for almost every company executive, but what is "genuine networking"?
For Em Roblin, the managing director of LEAP and a veteran coach on intercultural communication, networking is not to just have a bunch of name cards.
"Go beyond the standard business card exchange and the 20 second elevator pitch and learn to make the most of networking opportunities. Network is a community that you can count on and to be countered on," said Roblin, a passionate and interactive lecturer.
As a recipient of the Ernst & Young Women in Business Inspiration Leadership Award in 2011, she has devoted herself to empower executives to exceed their own expectations and to boost morale.
On a sunny Monday afternoon, Roblin shared her networking skills with BiMBA students. This is also part of the Professional Development Series which is aimed to fuel students’ development on the career path.
For soft skills, Roblin stressed, self-awareness is more important than any tip you will ever receive.
To make students have a better self-awareness, Roblin handed each of participants two pieces of paper on which there are 32 words to describe characteristics. On the first piece of paper, students were asked to circle five words that they thought could best reflect their personalities. And then, they picked out a partner that know him or her to form a one-to-one group and asked the partner to circle five words to describe him or her on the second piece. Not surprisingly, only two groups reached a complete consensus.
"Know who you are. Be that person, grow and improve," said Roblin. "Step out of your comfort zone, identify what opportunities and situations will stretch you and overextend you, and get feedback and tweak your behavior."
"Small ‘tweak’ could lead to big change! You should build this as a habit throughout your career," she added.
During the networking, people’s first impressions usually comes from demeanor, interpersonal and communication skills, but what truly important in the long run is the consistent values in action, the ability to deliver on commitments, and consistent interpersonal behavior patterns.
"The training is more than what I expected. I learned about how others think, I learned about myself, and even somehow I opened my heart, and shared my real opinions and fears. I realized the change in me when I was communicating in Chinese, and even there how I was more confident and communicated more clearly," said a BiMBA student.
During the three-hour workshop, students also raised their questions that troubled them in the daily communication. For instance, how to grow, manage the network and keep it alive?
Roblin believes there are nine types of person a company executive need in the network. They are connectors who are usually people specialists, mavens, salespeople, mentors, coaches, thought leaders, mentees, friends and peers. Moreover, there should be a diversity whether in nationality, gender, age, background or approach to life.
"It is also very important to do some follow up actions after the first meeting like sending an e-mail, but remember to make it personal and specific. That will help you to stay in touch periodically and build trust," said Roblin.
