In any industry or profession, building relationships is an essential part of success. While it’s important to have a strong skill set and work ethic, forging meaningful connections with colleagues, clients, and industry leaders can offer a range of benefits that go beyond technical abilities.
If you are anything like me it tends to be easier to cultivate the relationships we have outside of work, because after all, those are people you choose to be around, unlike the random people you happen to work with. But the longer I have been in the military, the more I understand we really have to take the time to grow those relationships too.
Networking for Career Advancement
One of the most significant advantages of building relationships is the opportunity for career advancement. By connecting with professionals in your field, you can learn about new job openings/special duties, receive referrals/letters of recommendation, and gain insights into what employers/those in leadership are looking for. In addition, networking can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends/regulations and changes, and can provide valuable opportunities to learn from others’ experiences.
I can’t tell you how many times I have run across someone I met either as a former patient of mine, at a professional development course, from a class I took, or just a random event that I happened to be at and struck up a conversation with them. It always pays to be kind and build rapport with those you meet in a professional setting.
Had it not been for a friendly conversation I had with a fellow Non-Commissioned Officer when I was in Dental, I may not be where I am professionally today. The job he told me about put me in a position where I worked directly for the Commander, who was a big part in me getting selected to be an officer.
Fostering Trust and Collaboration
Strong relationships also create a sense of trust and collaboration in the workplace. When colleagues feel comfortable communicating and working together, it leads to a more productive and positive work environment. This can result in increased job satisfaction, motivation, and ultimately, better results. By building trust and collaboration, you can also create a supportive network of colleagues who can help you navigate challenging situations or provide valuable feedback.
I am super big on trust, so when I feel integrity is lacking in an individual, it’s difficult to trust them and even want to work with them. In everyday life that might be an okay approach, but professionally you will not always have the luxury of having co-workers or even leadership with same level of morals and standards that you do.
So what do you do? Always operate at your highest degree of excellence and search for opportunities to get around individuals ythat ou can trust. In the meantime collaborate the best you can while staying open to the fact that you might be the person that can change the environment and eventually the culture for the better.
Building a Reputation and Personal Brand
Another benefit of building relationships is the ability to build a reputation and personal brand. By regularly engaging with others in your career field, you can establish yourself as an expert in your field and become more visible in your professional community. This can lead to increased opportunities for speaking engagements and other professional opportunities. By building a strong personal brand, you can also increase your credibility and influence with your leadership.
I am in a job right now that is giving me the opportunity to learn a system and train others around me. Just yesterday I had the pleasure of briefing my new boss about it and got his buy-in to continue because he was so pleased with the possibilities it offers.
I have found that finding something I like doing or am at least interested in helps when it comes to finding something to own and become the subject matter expert in it. I struggled for a while before I started thinking outside of the box.
One of my passions is mentoring and helping others reach their goals. When I found ways to do that within my job, the whole game changed! Instead of having this internal battle within myself where I literally felt like I was suffering because I was doing jobs I had zero interest in, I sought out opportunities that fulfilled me and eventually got noticed by leadership to the point they had me in mind when similar opportunities came up. When that happened, my whole world shifted.
Finding Mentors and Role Models
Building relationships can also provide opportunities to find mentors and role models who can offer guidance and support as you navigate your career. By seeking out individuals who have achieved success in your field, you can learn from their experiences and gain valuable insights into what it takes to succeed. Mentors and role models can also provide encouragement and motivation, and can help you stay focused on your goals.
Please keep in mind that not everyone makes a good mentor and not everyone who is where you want to go has the ability to tell you how to get there. That might sound negative but it is true. And truthfully I found out that some people are not being malicious or trying to hold information or guidance from, but the truth is they may have had a combination of luck, timing, or relationships that contributed greatly to their success.
I remember asking a MSgt (E-7) what I needed to do to get a stratification and she could not tell me. That was the difference between me missing MSgt by 3 points that year=( That’s when I learned I not only had to find a someone I trusted and was where I wanted to be to mentor me, but they also had to have the capacity to be a good mentor and be able to articulate the actions to get me there.
Be authentic
Showing up authentically at work can have numerous benefits. First and foremost, it allows you to be true to yourself and stay aligned with your values and beliefs. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment in your work. Authenticity also fosters trust and respect among colleagues, as they can see that you are genuine and reliable. This can lead to stronger relationships and collaborations in the workplace, and can also help build your personal brand and reputation. Ultimately, showing up authentically at work can lead to increased opportunities for growth and success in your career.
I remember being on a coaching call and I was sharing how unfulfilled I was and considering retiring sooner than I originally planned. It wasn’t until someone said “have you considered that you could do what you love through your work?” I actually had not and as a matter of fact, I thought of my work and my passion as two separate things. It wasn’t until I started sharing with my leadership what truly interested and motivated me, did the amazing opportunities start pouring in.
I thought I needed to “fake it until I made it”, or hide the fact that I wasn’t feeling my job. I’m in the Air Force, but have you heard the Army saying “If we wanted you to have a family, we would’ve issued you one”? To me that translates into whatever you have going on besides this mission, is of no concern to us, get’er done!…
Thankfully, the Air Force is not that bad, but being in the military you are conditioned to “suck it up” and do whatever necessary. One of our core values is “Service before self” right? It never occurred to me that I could have my cake and eat it too! (btw, “You can’t have your Kate and Edith too”, is the actually saying, believe it or not)
I just had to be authentic and honest when I was in my feedback sessions and to my surprised they worked to get me opportunities where I could flourish and get some fulfillment, like the time they sent me to Mississippi to talk to 180 AFROTC cadets about Acquisitions!
This picture was taken during the 2023 Pathways to Blue event where we briefed AFROTC cadets on the many career possibilites the Air Force offers
So what’s the take away…
In today’s competitive work environment , building relationships is more important than ever. Especially due to how remote some positions can be, by taking the time to connect with colleagues, clients, and industry leaders, you can gain a range of benefits that go beyond technical abilities. From career advancement to building a personal brand, finding mentors and role models, and fostering trust and collaboration, building relationships is a crucial part of professional success. So take the time to invest in your relationships, and bring your whole authentic self to work. You will be surprised that when you feel safe to be who you are and fully show up as yourself, you will notice your career and professional opportunities grow, and so will you.
I hope this has inspired you just a little to go out and network a bit more.
The “B” in my learn how to BRAG method is Building meaningful relationships, and I feel that is the foundation of everything you will need to be successful.
Look out for next month’s article where we’ll cover the “R” and talk about Recognizing our Strengths and Weaknesses. I can’t wait!
And if you haven’t already, grab the FREE BRAG guide and get subscribed to my newsletter where you get exclusive tips and never miss out on my latest offers and articles =) Just click here!
Until next my friends, be blessed!
