Never Eat Alone

Leadership is lonely.

If you’re a manager or leader at a company it often feels like you’re on an island (technically you’re in the “middle” and it’s still lonely!)

But I’m here to tell you it shouldn’t be that way.

Never Eat Alone is a book by Keith Ferrazzi about networking in a creative manner.

It definitely helped me as an introvert when I started my own business.

Most new managers struggle with the transition from individual contributor to supervisor.

While learning new skills, what gets overlooked is having support throughout the steep learning curve.

Company infrastructure normally isn’t set up with ongoing manager training intact (big mistake!)

So if you’re in leadership, the responsibility of networking with other leaders falls on you.

Tired, discouraged, overwhelmed might be words to describe how you’re feeling, but that’s not an excuse to work in a silo.

Know there’s value in external and internal networking.

Let me explain the two.

External is outside your company.

• Things like LinkedIn, attending networking events, in-person conferences, informational interviews, etc.

Internal is cross-departmental relationships, mentorship and co-workers/peers.

• Both are important and the investment reaps the rewards.

I used to think networking was only for extroverts, but that’s not true.

In fact, if you consider yourself more introverted HOW you connect makes all the difference.

See how I switched the term networking to connecting?

That’s exactly what I did several years ago.

• I enjoy small group and one-on-one conversations so I focused on prioritizing those.

• When you choose to ride solo, your blind spots are exposed (everyone has them).

• Yet when you surround yourself with other leaders who are taking steps to grow, you become refined.

This is why manager support groups and coaching really help.

In fact, if you’re a new manager start by connecting with leaders now before it’s too late.

Even veteran leaders have the tendency to isolate (which you have to fight against).

Often people ask me, “Whom does coaching really benefit?”

Technically the answer is anybody, but I’ve found that leaders and managers tend to see results the quickest.

Mindset shifts, new skill sets needed, managing your ego better and becoming an effective communicator are just some of the benefits of having a coach.

So if you’re a new or experienced manager/leader that can use some support and guidance along the stressful journey called leadership reply to this email and let’s eat together.

God Bless,

Scott

P.S. Here’s more quick encouragement for new managers below (it applies to experienced ones too!)