Building a Professional Network

Abstract

This is a special issue of Nurse Leader in which we celebrate the 50th anniversary and rich history of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). Sir Isaac Newton once noted about his success that “if I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”.1Sir Isaac Newton. BrainyQuote.com. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/i/isaacnewto135885.html. Accessed November 15, 2016.Google Scholar Many of the giants of nursing leadership acknowledged this month contributed to building AONE into the incredible professional association that it is today. Moving forward into the future, our challenge will be to continue to engage new generations who look at the value proposition of belonging to a professional organization in a much different way.2Sladek SL Knowing Y: Engage the Next Generation Now. ASAE Center for Association Leadership, Washington, DC2014Google Scholar When millennial nurses ask me why they should join AONE, I talk about how membership could enhance their career growth and prove to be a wise personal investment. Young leaders seek educational development, mentorship, and the ability to network with accomplished leaders. Building a network is one of the most powerful opportunities that membership in a professional association can provide to an early careerist. I am often surprised at the number of nurse leaders who have no contacts outside their own organization or health system. When they hit a roadblock in their career, they may be totally shut off from their professional colleagues and have no one to seek guidance from about their next steps. Today's health care environment is volatile, and therefore, building a strong network should be part of a professional insurance policy. Harvey Mackay, a master networker, has long advised that you should dig your well before you are thirsty.3Mackay H Dig Your Well Before You Are Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You'll Ever Need. Currency Press, New York, NY1999Google Scholar Many jobs today are never advertised. Workforce recruiters are quick to acknowledge that their best hires are referrals from the networks of professionals whose judgement they can trust. In a world where online connections seem to be the norm, personal contact with influential leaders can be a great way to get noticed and stand out. A good network outside our organization can also make it possible for us to gain access to and act on new information faster. AONE's new nurse leader open discussion forum is a good example of rapid sharing of information by leaders on a wide range of questions from nurse leader hourly rounding to staffing advice. Access to a network of leaders with similar challenges who have successfully solved problems can save time and energy in a leadership role. Reading about or listening to the experiences of others can be very energizing and reduce the feeling of “being alone” that young leaders often experience. Attendance at a professional meeting such as the AONE yearly conference is an ideal opportunity to network. Experienced leaders often attend these national meetings specifically to network with their colleagues. Networking is an active behavior and is all about the establishment of relationships. It is at these meetings that a young leader can meet someone who has a job they may aspire to and find mentorship. Even if you are naturally introverted, you can never go wrong asking questions. An interesting question to ask the giants of nursing leadership is what advice they would give to you as an emerging nurse leader. Most seasoned nurse leaders today recognize the need to pay it forward by coaching and mentoring emerging leaders. Networking at a national conference can give you a better perspective on whether certain challenges are unique to your setting or more a national trend. You never know what new opportunities can open for you as a result of a conversation. Many young leaders have jump-started successful careers by getting involved on committees, participating in association projects, and/or running for office. As evidenced in this issue, the human capital of our AONE membership is astounding in its breath and depth. For the young nurse leader, it is a gold mine waiting to be tapped to strategically help you with your career. We live in a very networked world, so developing your professional networking skills will be an important key to your leadership success. Letter to the EditorNurse LeaderVol. 15Issue 6PreviewThis is a letter in response to the article “Building a Professional Network”1 featured in the April 2017 issue of Nurse Leader. In that article, Dr. Sherman emphasized the importance for leaders to build upon their network with other professionals as they grow throughout their careers. As a new leader, this article caught my attention as I begin to build relationships with other leaders in my facility and look to expand beyond my organization. Full-Text PDF