Personal Network Strategies of Successful People

About this Project

As the collaborative intensity of work has exploded and the pace of change has accelerated over the past decade, personal networks have become critical to performance and well-being. More than 20 years of mapping networks and individual (and collective) performance in 300+ organizations has yielded some surprising truths regarding the network strategies of high performers. These strategies — captured in a white paper and a series of personal case studies and learning modules — can be shared and adopted by individuals and organizations interested in building and nurturing successful, high-performing, and personally fulfilling networks at work and beyond.

This IRC4HR-sponsored research is focused on understanding the behaviors of successful people — those in their organizations’ high performance category and scoring higher on measures of career satisfaction, well-being, and engagement. How do these people build, maintain, and leverage personal networks in ways that help them produce innovative solutions, execute work, and thrive in their careers?

Researcher

Rob Cross

For almost twenty years, Rob’s research, teaching, and consulting have focused on applying social network analysis to critical business issues for actionable insights and bottom-line results. He has worked with more than 300 leading organizations (companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations) on a variety of solutions including innovation, organizational change and alignment, talent optimization, and leadership effectiveness.

IRC4HRTM Project Publications and Learning Materials

White Paper

The Invisible Network Strategies of Successful PeopleThe Invisible Network Strategies of Successful People
Counterintuitive Ways to Innovate, Execute and Thrive at Work
(23 pages)

Learning Modules

Produce Innovative Solutions Execute Work Efficiently Thrive at Work
Tap Into a Broad Network Early in Problem Solving
 Scale Accomplishments Through Networks Reduce Collaborative Overload to Regain Time and Space
Create Emergent Innovation Through Open Interactions in the Network
 Build Personal Agility Through Networks Use Your Network to Draw You to What Matters Most
Build Purpose, Energy and Trust to Earn Interest, Effort and Creativity
 Cultivate Influence Without Authority Through Network Roles Make Network Investments that Create a Sense of Purpose in Your Work
Adapt the Work and the Network Simultaneously
 Drive Results Through Agile Team and Unit Networks Buffer from Work and Anchor in Non-Work Networks to Gain Perspective and Foster Well-Being

 

IRC4HRSM Upcoming Webinars

Innovate, Execute, Thrive: Research-Based Network Habits to Transform Your Work and Life

Please join us for a series of three webinars that will further explore how you and your organization can cultivate personal networks that ignite innovation, enhance execution, and help you to thrive at work and beyond.

Thrive At Work
“Reduce Collaborative Overload and Invest in Networks to Clarify Priorities, Improve Productivity, and Enhance Well-Being”
June 29, 2018
11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET/16:00 pm – 17:00 pm BST

Produce Innovative Solutions
“Build Purpose, Energy, and Trust to See Opportunities, Solve Problems, and Create Emergent Innovation”
September 11, 2018
11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET/16:00 pm – 17:00 pm BST

Execute Work Efficiently
“Design a Network That Builds Agility, Cultivates Influence, and Drives Results”
December 6, 2018
11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET/16:00 pm – 17:00 pm GMT