Network perspective is a 21st-century leadership imperative. But what is a network perspective, and how does it help your organization? And how do you, as a leader, build a network perspective?<\/p>\n
Network perspective is the ability to look beyond formal, designated relationships and see the complex web of connections between people in and beyond your organization.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s one of the most important skills to develop for yourself \u2014 and your organization.<\/p>\n
Network-savvy leaders intentionally develop the ability to see, understand, and engage the informal, invisible structure supporting the organization. They use this network perspective to create a more connected, interdependent culture at their organization<\/a>. Some take it even further, expanding their organization\u2019s network throughout the world.<\/p>\n At the individual level, a network perspective allows you to move beyond the official structure (the \u201corg chart\u201d) to get work done using informal networks.<\/p>\n This network perspective means knowing who has influence and where to go for information. It\u2019s also about seeing \u2014 and tapping into \u2014 the ties that extend beyond your organization into other organizations, communities, and society.<\/p>\n At a broad level, networks are a natural part of an interdependent yet volatile world. Many leaders and academics are coming to the conclusion that our understanding of leadership should consider both the natural and<\/em> strategically created networks.<\/p>\n Since we live in an extremely complex, changing, and interconnected world, the ability to understand and leverage informal organizational networks and connections is vital and crucial for leaders. In an environment that involves tough decision-making quickly and often, leaders can no longer rely on hierarchy or traditional approaches to get information or make things happen.<\/p>\n By embracing leadership as a shared process that engages and creates networks, organizational leaders with network savvy create several benefits:<\/p>\n As we note in our research white paper<\/a>, informal networks can strengthen your organization\u2019s strategy.<\/p>\n The patterns and quality of informal social networks connecting members of an organization greatly affect its ability to succeed in a competitive marketplace. Suboptimal patterns of communication and influence may alienate critical future talent and lead to problems in strategy development and implementation.<\/p>\n Analyzing the networks of top executives uncovers gaps between how communication and influence should ideally flow \u2014 and how they do in reality. That network analysis opens the door to building network connections that can improve retention of high-potential talent and ultimately, optimize the development and execution of the organization\u2019s strategy.<\/p>\n Conversations among leaders in upper and middle management often determine an organization\u2019s strategy and eventual success. So senior leaders in particular should pay attention to their organization\u2019s leadership networks and strengthen ties where they matter most.<\/p>\n Executives will want to ensure that high-potential middle managers are engaged and that their contributions are weighted appropriately by the top management team, <\/strong>which is critical to avoiding riskier, less robust, or ineffective organizational strategies.<\/p>\n Now that you know what a network perspective is and the benefits of it for individuals and organizations, here\u2019s why leaders need a network perspective:<\/p>\n Individuals don\u2019t exist in isolation and their connections provide opportunities, access to valuable information and resources, and also create constraints. The people they\u2019re connected to influence their ideas, attitudes, and behaviors.<\/p>\n Even after decades of restructuring, work activities often occur through interactions outside of formal reporting and working relationships. Understanding informal networks is especially important in flat, team-based, and agile work environments where formal structure provides little guidance.<\/p>\n Direction, alignment, and commitment are created through relationships<\/a> between people working on shared challenges. All people contribute to this process and thus, leadership may be shared throughout the network. Further, boundary spanning leadership requires network perspective to accurately see and build connections between groups.<\/p>\n They realize that under- and over-connectivity stifle performance and limit outcomes. Purposeful (strategic) and authentic networking is the key to developing healthy networks that prevent insularity. They work collaboratively across boundaries<\/a> (like hierarchies, geographic regions, functional silos, stakeholder interests, and demographic differences) to build relationships with diverse groups of people.<\/p>\n Relying on formal, vertical channels alone hinders the capacity to adapt to emerging issues. Change efforts may be accelerated by activating and enhancing the network\u2019s capacity to span boundaries. This approach is critically important in cultural transformation because organizational culture lives largely within the conversations between people<\/a>. Understanding these connections provides insights into subcultures, pockets of resistance, and hidden champions of the transformation.<\/p>\n Innovation first requires new, creative ideas. But new ideas are not enough; they must be implemented in the organization through a targeted innovation process<\/a>. Research suggests network structures that facilitate creativity and implementation differ from each other in specific ways. Organizations need networks that support the generation and sharing of diverse ideas, as well as collective action. (It also helps when people understand how their role in driving innovation depends on where they sit<\/a>.)<\/p>\n Complex challenges can\u2019t be addressed by individuals alone; they\u2019re best solved by groups of people across boundaries working together.<\/p>\n All in all, having a network perspective is the key to thriving in a world in which everything is, or will be, connected.<\/p>\n Upskill your team\u2019s network perspective and leadership skills\u00a0with a customized learning journey using our research-backed modules. Available\u00a0leadership topics<\/a> include Boundary Spanning, Communication, Collaboration & Teamwork, Conflict Resolution, the DAC Framework for Effective Leadership<\/a>, Innovation Leadership, Leading People Through Change, Listening to Understand, and more.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nThe Connection Between Network Perspective and Leadership<\/h2>\n
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Informal Networks Can Strengthen Your Organization\u2019s Strategy<\/h2>\n
Why Leaders Need a Network Perspective<\/h2>\n
7 Reasons to Take a Network Perspective<\/h3>\n
1. Connections matter.<\/h4>\n
2. Work often happens through informal channels.<\/h4>\n
3. Leadership occurs through relationships.<\/h4>\n
4. Successful leaders develop networks of strong, diverse relationships.<\/h4>\n
5. Network knowledge is an asset in change efforts.<\/h4>\n
6. Innovation networks can be identified and supported.<\/h4>\n
7. The most important challenges leaders face today are interdependent.<\/h4>\n
Ready to Take the Next Step?<\/h2>\n