Switched on the light

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to watch a live event by Leadership Development Channel section of Books24x7 by Keith Ferrazzi called "Who's Got Your Back? " on web cast, and I must say I was delighted and awaken. His new book, by the same name, is on a theme of building a culture of trust in professional / business environment, where each person is successful. During the session he touched on various topics, but there was one things that impressed me the most. It was about how relationship in today's business environment are superficial, something in line with his book, and how that needs to be changes to ensure success. This discussion opened new avenues of thoughts and improvements within me.

Today, when one goes to work, he might not even speak to the person in our next cubicle. Many prefer to work from home, in their own comfort, with their family around. But this is affecting the basis of business networking. Rather, one might not be networking at all. It affects your learning. In earlier days people came to work and learned much more things from their co-workers. It was just not learning, but people built long term relationships which ensured success of each one. So true. Then why is it not practiced today?.....I dont know. If I lift this concept and fit it into the Indian context, its all about long term relationships.

But how do we build relationship? I started my third week of internship and I was still confined to my cubicle. People who know me think I am an extrovert, but I strongly feel I am an ambivert. But I have shocked myself, as even today, I am still confined to my cubicle. My work profile does not include MUCH interaction with people, especially when I am doing research, but this should not be an excuse for not networking. I would come each morning, start my work, almost no "Hi, how are you?" to anyone. I was growing to become a loner at work, until I heard Keith, and I feel awakened. I like the people, they are nice, kind, and helpful. No one else but I am responsible for my current situation. I was new to the place, I should have make efforts, at which I have failed. But today was just not ANY OTHER DAY at work, it was A NEW day at work. I am pumped up and excited. I wanted to make a different, whated to network, what if I have to start with "Hi, how are you to?"

As it is said, "Better be late, than never".

I think networking is important, but not easy to come by; can be learnt, but requires lots of patience.