Recently, I had the opportunity to reconnect with a previous colleague whom I last seen 20 years ago…. Pauline and I were both part of the Sky family during its growth heyday in the early 2000s, she was an L&D Manager, and I was a Recruitment Manager within Sky. Our paths would cross daily supporting the business with the People strategy of hiring thousands of people every year, and my job with my team and Pauline’s job with her team, was to make sure that we attracted the best people and that L&D onboarded and trained them for success.
I often have people say to me that I am well networked and connected and to them I am, but to me I am a people person and thrive on people and human interactions. Living in Texas for 5 years feeling isolated with no support mechanism only my husband and Dog made me realise this even more.
This got me thinking about the busy worlds we live in today with work commitments and balancing personal life as well. In the whirlwind of career progression, the importance of maintaining professional connections often takes a back seat as we are too busy, or we may not see any value to it if we are to use work time to connect.
After two hours of chat with lots of tea and shortbread, Pauline and I learned about one another’s travels Internationally and our experiences of both work and personal. It was like we met last week not 20 years ago! Networking for some is often perceived as a transactional endeavour, focused on the exchange of business cards and LinkedIn connections. However, its true essence lies in cultivating meaningful relationships that transcend professional boundaries. I find some individuals I know shy away from reconnecting, fearing they lack a specific reason or request. Yet, the essence of networking is not always about the “What’s in It for Me” (WIFM) statement, rather, it is about fostering genuine connections rooted in goodwill and mutual respect but also learning from one another as Pauline and I did.
Sometimes the fear of reaching out without a clear agenda is a common barrier to maintaining connections. However, a simple gesture of —”Hi, how are you? Lovely to see you pop up”—can often suffice and bring a smile to someone’s day. It is about extending a hand of friendship without expectation, acknowledging the value of the relationship itself. By embracing this mindset, we can overcome the hesitation to reconnect and rediscover the joy of shared memories and camaraderie.
As a self-proclaimed people person, I have come to appreciate the intangible benefits of maintaining connections. It is not just about the tangible gains or professional favours; it is about the warmth of reconnecting and the sense of community that arises from shared experiences. Each interaction, no matter how seemingly insignificant, contributes to the tapestry of professional relationships that enrich our lives and careers.
Additionally, the lasting power of connections lies in their ability to bridge different phases of our careers. The insights, opportunities, and collaborative possibilities that arise from these relationships can shape our professional trajectory in unexpected ways. By nurturing these connections, we create a robust support system that propels us forward, even amidst uncertainty and change. What’s to lose, right!
