The Internal Network

I recently had lunch with two people that worked for the same organization but different departments. They knew each other a little bit and knew about the overall work of each other’s department.  We had come together to talk about a topic of common interest and we had a great discussion.  But then the unplanned occurred – synergy happened.

The two people found out they were working on similarly focused projects within their respective departments and didn’t realize it.  They found out that one of them had a meeting with a prospect that would tie their projects together.  They realized that another department would benefit from their working together and could be a third department partner for success. They found common friends in their different circles of influence.  They found another way to connect their networks together for the greater good of the organization.  Magic happened and I am confident that it will continue to happen.

We hear about growing a broad network, but there is a great value in creating an internal network too.  Silos and busyness prevent synergy from happening.  It’s usually not intended - but the process of creating an environment for synergy is intentional.  You can be the catalyst.

• Invite two people from different departments or divisions to lunch or breakfast to get to know them, find out more about what they do and what they are excited about.
• Engage someone from outside your project scope or normal area of work to talk about an issue you would like new ideas.
• Start a learning group made up of members from other departments and discuss a book/article on a topic of interest.

You will add another level of energy for your work and enhance your career as a leader by expanding your internal network.