While it is comfortable to stay within homogeneous groups of friends and business contacts, it is essential to develop a diverse network. Developing diverse network gives you access to wide variety of resources. These resources could provide you with extended abilities to problem solve and influence others in times of need.

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​(Click here to watch a 6 mins YouTube video to learn more about Diverse Networking.)

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However, maintaining a diverse network could be exhausting as it takes time to develop and sustain relationships. If not handled with care, you could be seen as insincere and such relationships could be counter-productive. 

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​How could you effectively manage a diverse network?

 

Be an active lead member of a few core groups which are closely aligned to your interests, goals and priorities. Maintain high visibility in these core groups. Develop deep relationships with group members. Regularly contribute and support the groups' interests.

 

For the wider network, ensure you develop deep relationship with 1-2 key active members of these groups. Contribute and support these key members' interests. Through them, you gain access to the resources of the group. Maintain sufficient visibility to stay relevant to the group.

CSE is a personality trait that captures individuals' beliefs of themselves and the world around them. It is about how you view yourself and your view of the people around you. It comprises of 4 traits - self-esteem, self-efficacy, emotional stability, locus of control.

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​(Click here to watch a 1.5 min video to understand CSE).

 

Having a high CSE means you have positive self-view, confident of your abilities, have self-control and believes in your ability to influence your environment. This nudges you to be proactive in reaching out to others, to interact with your environment. As you are self-assured, you are not self-conscious when you interact with others. 

 

​How could you develop a high CSE?

 

First, make an inventory of your Personal Identity starting with your inventory of knowledge, skills and experiences. What would you describe to be your abilities? 

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Next, check out a few psychometric tools to find out your personality traits. Learn about the strengths of your natural preferences and ways to manage your development areas. How would you present your best self to others?

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​(Click here to watch a 3 mins video on a psychometric tool called MBTI).

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​Finally, develop a Personal Brand of yourself. Check out Personal Branding resources on how to develop a Personal Branding. Work out your Personal Brand, make it visible and constantly update it as your life evolves.

LMX theory posits that members' working relationships with their leaders and network contribute to how they learn and perform in their job. It is therefore critical for members to have strong  relationship with their leaders and their network members.

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​This is characterised by one's proactiveness and willingness to contribute, to go extra mile for the leader and the group. This typically enhances liking and trust among people. 

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Having a strong LMX with your existing and formal networks will help expand and extend your access to new and informal networks through referrals and recommendations. 

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​(Click here to watch a 3 mins YouTube video to learn more about LMX).

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What strategies could you adopt to increase your LMX?

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Start with focusing on selective core network which you have clear alignment with. This could be your immediate work group.

 

Consider who are the key members in each of your network.

What shared purpose, vision, goals, interests do you have with them?

What could you do to contribute to their common goals? 

What complementary resources do you have access to support their needs?

What shared activities could you proactively create and contribute to strengthen the LMX of your network. 

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​Building LMX takes time and resources. Once you have developed sufficient LMX with this network group, maintain it and add another network group into your focus.

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