In short: many barriers at work come down to a relationship with someone you need that could be better. Focusing on your own work isn't enough; you sit in a 360-degree system. Draw your 360 map of superiors, colleagues, team and wider network, spot the people with influence, and plan to build authentic relationships with them proactively.
The relationship with the person that you need can be improved.
Relationships are a SUPER important part of success in any organization. We know that in our private lives, looking after them through time and with effort.
The same principle applies to relationships at work, yet somehow many of us don’t put this on our list of priorities. Focusing on our own work is not enough to be seen, effective and make progress in our career.
We are in the middle of a system, an environment 360 degrees around us.
Knowing that territory and navigating it properly can be a powerful tool. That way we can achieve influence, the things we want, being heard and ultimately feeling happier.
Working on our 360 map is like planting every day to collect the fruits at the right time. Watch out as it is about developing authentic relationships based on the things that bring you together. It isn’t always easy but if you focus on the joint opportunities instead of the barriers you will make it. Put it in your diary like any other activity.
I have a challenge for you as a starting point:
- Think about superiors, colleagues, direct team and the network in other departments or organisations.
- Draw your own 360 map, identify people and groups with power.
- Consider the quality and quantity of your relationship with them.
- You will identify people that may have the key to achieve your objectives where the relationship could be improved.
- To finish, create your own action plan to improve those connections in a proactive way.
I hope it helps and let us know how you get on.
Frequently asked questions
Why are relationships important for career success?
Focusing on your own work is not enough to be seen, be effective and progress. Navigating the people around you well brings influence, helps you be heard and get what you want, and ultimately makes you happier.
What is a 360 map of work relationships?
A drawing of everyone around you at work: superiors, colleagues, your direct team and your network in other departments or organisations. You mark the people and groups with power and the quality and quantity of your relationship with each.
How do I improve my relationships at work?
Draw your 360 map, identify people who may hold the key to your objectives where the relationship could improve, and create an action plan. Put it in your diary like any other activity and focus on shared opportunities.
Is networking at work just being political?
Not the way I mean it. It is about developing authentic relationships based on what brings you together, like planting every day to collect the fruits at the right time.
About the author: Susana Serrano-Davey is a former CFO with over 25 years in corporate life. Today she mentors leaders and professionals, speaks about confidence and self-awareness at work, and is the author of Self-Confidence Is Overrated.
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