Power of Networking

There’s no doubt that networking plays a powerful role in our professional development. Many of us have been taught to build our networks and intentionally seek out mentors. In times of transition, these networks can be more valuable than ever. However, recent research challenges what these networks might look like to best support women in transition.

A study published in January in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that women looking to change careers and enter leadership roles benefit from an inner circle of support of other women, as opposed to a broad network of influential connections – a typical network that best supports men. A network consisting of an inner circle of support of women connected to one another goes beyond opening doors; it helps women navigate the job landscape and workplace cultures. In a nutshell, women benefit from a small network of support over a vast network of connections.

While this study didn’t extend it’s scope to look at women experiencing other types of transition, we suspect the findings would hold. Support in terms of sharing an experience, observing a pathway traveled by other women, and participating in a like-minded community, helps women move through the ambiguous challenges often faced during times of transition.

In other findings, Dr. Terry Ann Bahr explored women making career changes in mid-life. Several themes emerged in her research: 

• Women look to make career changes when desiring a different quality of life with authenticity being a driving factor

• Many women are driven to be role models for children, nieces and/or younger women and this can fuel transition

• Confidence plays an instrumental role in one’s ability to transition careers

We know from our own experience and research that women often contemplate both life and career transitions in private. They rarely have access to other like-minded women, or to processes that support the questions they ponder, the visions they cultivate, and the obstacles they face. While some women might occasionally share their experiences with family and close friends, they often worry about being a burden on people closest to them.  Many women lack an inner circle of support that research now shows is important during times of transition. 

At Retreat Reinvent and Recharge, we provide women with both a process and a community of like-minded women experiencing transition, whether triggered by career changes, relationship shifts, children or personal desires for change. 

We invite you to checkout one of our upcoming on-line Transition with Support or 5 Star Transitions courses. We’d love to have you join us! 

In the meantime, here are five (5) Tips for Navigating Personal and Professional Transitions

1. Ask yourself the tough questions and give yourself both time and space to reflect and let the answers come.

2. Observe your energy, feelings and intuition. When are you energized? When are you depleted? What contributes to these states? What do you know about these circumstances?

3. Choose a mindset of curiosity. What piques your interest? What makes you curious? Create time in your life to pursue your curiosities.

4. Consider who you are in this transition – not just what you want to do or how you’ll do it. Chances are, transition with transform you.

5. Build an inner circle of support during this time of transition.