Expanding Networks: A Leadership Imperative for Innovation and Career Success

Successful leaders today are able to build robust,diverse and deep networks both within and across complex organizations and professional disciplines. Networking is linked to both individual and team success and identified as a critical skill for enhancing innovation and improving organizational outcomes.Dyer, Gregersen, and Christensen (2011) identified networking as an important discovery skill for disruptive innovators. A recent study by Keszey (2018) also identified boundary spanning leaders as important roles for enhancing innovation and knowledge sharing. Mentoring has been found to enhance professional networking with both academic faculty, researchers and nurse leaders. A recent study of nurse leaders in Wisconsin indicated that over 62% reported expansion of their professional network with the use of mentors.

An underused strategy is the use of social network analysis (Parnell & Robinson,2018). Network mapping and network weaving to enhance professional networks are contemporary strategies to evaluate a leaders network and strategically develop plans to enhance ones social capital. The ability of emerging nurse leaders to visualize their professional network and quickly create a map assists in network analysis. Developing leaders to use a networking perspective and think both operationally and strategically to rapidly grow a professional network is important skill set for both clinicians and researchers.

This session highlights the types of networks, benefits of networking on a individual, team and organizational level and includes reflective questions and critical strategies for nurses at all levels to build and enhance a professional network for career success. Tools from this session can be used to evaluate networks within an organization or across an area of focus. The link between networking as a discovery skill and the development of leadership characteristics that support innovation is shared. The use of mentors to enhance professional networking is highlighted along with opportunities to leverage technology. A recent leadership initiative with DNP and PhD students through the use of discussion on mentoring and networking with an opportunity to create a network map will be shared.