How can I get my team to collaborate more? Probably the most common goals I hear from Leaders I work with, many of you reading this email.
In workplaces of today, success often hinges on collaboration and communication; the need to break down silos and build authentic networks has never been more critical. Simon Sinek, in his interview with Gallup, emphasized the profound impact of deep friendships in combating isolation, loneliness, and stress. He points out that friendships at work are not just a social bonus but a vital factor in well-being and productivity. Yet, we tend to neglect our friendships and networks, especially when it comes to seeking help and support.
Janine Garner, in her book It’s Who You Know, delves further into the importance of building and maintaining strong networks. Garner highlights that the quality of your relationships can significantly influence your career success and personal growth. We all need a strong support network, but many of us hesitate to ask for help when we need it most.
So, how can we leverage our strengths to build meaningful networks, ask for help when needed, and break down the silos that often divide us at work and in our communities?
Your Network: A Key to Success
Garner’s research shows that networks are powerful because they allow us to access diverse perspectives, resources, and support. Yet, many people struggle to activate their networks effectively. We often don’t take the time to maintain relationships, or we hesitate to ask for help, thinking it might be seen as a sign of weakness. In reality, reaching out is a strength.
It’s crucial to evaluate the networks you have right now. Are you nurturing them, or are you allowing them to become transactional? To thrive, both personally and professionally, it’s essential to foster genuine relationships where you not only give but also feel comfortable asking for help when you need it.
The Power of Asking for Help
The reluctance to ask for help is a common challenge, especially in high-performing teams. We fear appearing incompetent, or we assume others are too busy to lend a hand. However, asking for help not only strengthens relationships but also leads to better collaboration and problem-solving. When you ask for help, you’re giving someone else the opportunity to share their expertise and contribute to a greater cause.
In the workplace, asking for help can also break down silos. It forces you to step out of your comfort zone, engage with others, and foster a culture of collaboration.
Tips for Leveraging CliftonStrengths to Build Networks That Break Down Silos
Here’s how different CliftonStrengths can help you build networks, ask for help, and create stronger connections that dismantle silos:
- Relator:
- Strength in Building Trust: You thrive in deep, meaningful relationships. Use this to create a network of trusted individuals you can turn to for help when needed.
- Tip: Ask a colleague for help on a project and offer to return the favour, creating a reciprocal relationship that fosters mutual trust. Build the relationship deeper than you have already – just 1% more can have a huge impact.
- Woo:
- Strength in Expanding Your Network: You excel at meeting new people and building connections. Use this strength to reach out to people outside your usual circles and break down organizational barriers.
- Tip: Start a casual coffee or virtual chat with someone from a different department. Build a bridge by asking for their insights on a challenge you’re facing. If you are Woo’less, reach out to your Woo colleagues and ask them to connect you.
- Maximizer:
- Strength in Focusing on Excellence: You know how to help others reach their potential. Leverage this to ask for help in areas where you know someone else excels.
- Tip: Identify colleagues whose strengths complement yours. Collaborate on a project where their input can help elevate your work to the next level. My favourite partners for Maximizers are often those Restorative.
- Arranger:
- Strength in Managing Complexity: You are skilled at organizing people and resources. Use this strength to create opportunities for collaborative projects that bring together diverse teams.
- Tip: Facilitate cross-team collaborations where colleagues can share their expertise, and don’t hesitate to ask for help in organizing this as Arrangers often find themselves in this seat, pick a buddy and co arrange so it.
- Includer:
- Strength in Bringing People Together: You naturally create environments where everyone feels valued. Use this to ensure that no one in your network is isolated.
- Tip: When you see someone struggling, offer your help and encourage them to ask for assistance when needed. Develop a list of questions or activities that can bring people together and draw our different opinions.
- Activator:
- Strength in Taking Initiative: You are great at getting things started. Use this strength to initiate conversations that bring people together to solve problems.
- Tip: Long term goals are great but what needs to be solved quickly, bring the team together and gain input from others.
- Empathy:
- Strength in Understanding Others: You have a unique ability to sense when others need help. Use this to offer support and create a network where everyone feels safe to ask for assistance.
- Tip: Look to develop a habit for a quick connect, this will enable you to respond in the moment.
- Strategic:
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- Strength in Seeing Patterns and Planning Ahead: You can see the big picture and identify the best paths forward. Use this strength to build networks that help you plan for the future and avoid potential silos.
- Tip: Write a list of all the people in your network, then map out who is in the best position to help you/the teams to achieve the goals you are working on. Think about how you can re-invest in these relationships and give to them.
- Ideation:
- Strength in Generating Innovative Ideas: You thrive on creativity and love generating new ideas. Use this to break down silos by connecting with people who can offer fresh perspectives and insights.
- Tip: Organize brainstorming sessions that involve a diverse group of team members. Encourage everyone to contribute, and make sure to ask for their help in refining or acting upon the ideas you generate.
Building a Culture of Support
By embracing your natural talents and fostering connections, you can help break down silos and create a work environment where collaboration thrives. Nurturing a network requires effort, vulnerability, and a willingness to ask for help. But when you do, the rewards are immense.
So, what are you waiting for? Reach out, connect with your network, and don’t hesitate to ask for the help you need. The more we lean on each other, the stronger and more successful we’ll become—both as individuals and as teams.
If there is someone I can connect you to, do not hesitate to ask. My Woo – Arranger Combination loves connecting people
