b'THE HR HANDBOOKNetworking Provides a Gift of Self-ReflectionIMAGINE LOOKING INTOa department storeown. Reflecting on these experiences can and should window at the mannequins displaying the latest fash- challenge us to learn, grow and develop. We will ask ions. All of a sudden you see a reflection of yourselfourselves questions like: Would I do that? Would I be standing right alongside these fashionable, facelessable to do that? What would happen if I was in such a people. When we are networking, we are essentiallysituation?I wonder if that would be a good idea for me looking into the window of other peoples lives and, into try that too? doing so, we are reflecting their life back on our own.Who would you like to talk with? Who do you want The value of a network becomes vital when we areto know better? What are you curious about learning? looking for a new job. Too often its the crisis momentWho is a friend you havent spoken to in a while?when we finally decide we have enough time to sched- Most people really enjoy talking about themselves JONATHAN SHAVER isule meetings with former colleagues, people from their experiences, decisions, opinions, dreams and the owner of EnvisionLinkedIn or the father from our kids softball team.aspirations. My guess, if someone was really listening, Partners LLC.However, networking has great value even when youyou would too. Asking for someone elses story does are not looking for a new opportunity and it willnot necessarily mean that you have to give your story pay dividends when you really need it. too, but it will be valuable for the other person to hear When we get together with other people withoutwhat you learned from them, what interested you the pressure of achieving a personal agenda, thereabout their story. Putting the reflective expectation on can be a lot less stress and preparation. Even for theyourself makes the networking time most impactful for faint of heart, networking can be enjoyable. Its prettyyour own growth and development. In this way, you easy if you set up the expectations for your networkingget the most out of the experience. Challenge yourself partner that you just want to catch up with peopleto summarize the conversation, right there with your you know or learn about their experiences withnetworking partner, before you leave.people you know less well. This type of networking isAnd while your networking partner is listening not intended to be one you would invite your CEO, ato you capture what you heard from them, they are desired future employer or someone who might be alooking also into your window, learning about you and mentor, for example.in-turn reflecting on what they just shared with youThe desired outcome is to learn. Everyone aroundlearning what was interesting and exciting to you and, us has a unique story or perspective or some informa- in doing so, learn something about themselves. That is tion that would be exciting or useful to learn if you arethe gift you give in return for their time.willing to ask. This information or their backgroundBy hearing, or even reading, other peoples stories does not need to be inherently and immediatelywe become inspired, and we become challenged. We relevant to your current work or life situation. Theserespond by changing our mind about a subject or alternative perspectives and experiences you can learnwe become stronger in our convictions. Networking from others are enriching in their own right, and likeresults in learning more about ourselves, and that is doing art, reading or having a hobby outside of work,why looking into the window of someone elses life also can inspire additional creativity in your work time. gives us the opportunity to reflect on our own.Invariably, while we are listening to another per- If you are looking for someone to practice network-sons stories or recalling them afterward, we willing and reflection. Just ask me. Ill be happy to help you reflect their experiences onto our own; their choicesget started. SWagainst ours; their skills and abilities compared to our 30/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2022'