Navigating What's Next Through Networking
Truth can be painful.
Many years ago, I was lost. Feeling unfulfilled in my current field, I sought avenues for a fresh start. I thought a possible good transition would be to a field related to mine. I reached out to my network and through them, I connected with a few more people and had a couple of interviews.
One of these connections was growing his team. We met at a coffee shop to have an informal chat. After chatting for half an hour, he told me that people in his field needed to manipulate and lie to get business and be successful, and my character didn’t seem to align with that. He left the door open if I still wanted to pursue it.
I am grateful to him till this day, that I didn’t go down that path that I thought was for me.
The power of networking is so much more than about getting a job. It brings out the truth in alignment. In the process of discovery, ask yourself these questions during networking:
Values
What are the mission and values of the organization you are inquiring about?
How is success measured?
What are your guiding principles that help you live your life, do your work, and relate to others?
What does your best self look like?
What matters to you right now?
What makes you feel that you matter?
What essential elements, absent in your previous workplace, are non-negotiable in your next role?
Culture
How is the organization structured?
How are decisions made?
How are employees supported?
How are different voices heard?
What and who gets rewarded? How are people rewarded?
What is their view on work location and collaboration?
People
What is the leadership style?
What are people motivated by?
How do people like to communicate with each other?
What are their attitudes toward work and each other?
What are their strengths and weaknesses?
Skills
What skills are expected to do this line of work successfully?
What can you already do very well that will enable you to bring value to this line of work?
What new skills do you need to acquire to do this line of work well? Are you interested in acquiring these skills?
What professional development opportunities are available in this organization?
By aligning yourself with organizations and individuals who share your values, you will cultivate a sense of purpose that transcends mere professional fulfillment.
