Do you know what the most interesting and innovative thing to do at work is?
It’s about more than just completing your daily tasks, which aren’t very interesting, meeting deadlines, or just showing up every day; it’s about building connections across departments.It’s the most underrated thing to do, yet the most important one.The magic at work you’re looking for really happens when you step out of your comfort zone or your department and start networking with those outside your immediate circle.Let’s dive in through 4 mini-stories to see how Cross networking helped people grow and learn.
Catherine’s Story
Catherine, a marketing specialist, worked day and night on a big pitch that could push her career to the heights. One day, while getting a coffee, she overheard the finance people discussing a workshop about budgeting strategies. She asked if she could attend and got an instant response of Yes. There, she met new colleagues and learned the importance of budgeting strategies that she later applied to her final pitch draft. To her surprise, not only did she get the project, but she also got to learn several new tactics, which later opened up new career opportunities as she became known for her financial acumen.
Ryan’s Story
Ryan, an HR intern, was having trouble understanding how to coordinate with upper management. His manager suggested he spend some time with the interns of Client Servicing. Following the instructions, Ryan started interacting with interns of his own level. Through regular interaction, he gained a much better understanding of the communications channel, which led him to develop a meaningful bond with the management.
Oswald’s Story
Oswald, a copywriter, always believed that people focus more on the content than the design. It was when he sat down with the design team one day over lunch and was always amazed to see what the designing aspect has the capability of. That day, he learned about a new world of creativity and imagination. This led him to have a better sense of what an impact a creative copy can have when the designing part is proactively involved with it.
Swaym’s Story
Swaym, an HR professional, was tasked with improving employee engagement. He decided to work closely with the Admin team to develop more interactive Fun Friday activities. This collaboration resulted in successful and interactive activities but also helped Swaym learn about the minor challenges his colleagues faced in the past, leading to a more empathetic HR approach that mirrored across the company.
Key Takeaways
These stories highlight the importance of building networks across teams. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about learning, growing, and contributing in ways that extend beyond your assigned job role. By nurturing these connections, I’ve gained new perspectives, enhanced my skills, and opened doors to opportunities that elevated my career and gave me a different set of perspectives. So, next time you’re at work, grab a coffee and interact with someone you haven’t till now. What if you could see the world from a different point of view? And what if the world actually starts to see you differently?
The possibilities are endless; why don’t you set out and explore them?
