Personal Differences Can Enhance Networking Results
By Carol Daly
Networking is all about creating community. But the online community can be a tough one in which to work together productively.
Distractions are many. Recognition is often elusive and success is almost always slow to come. Relationships are built "artificially" through
the use of technology, rather than face-to-face. We know people by the words they write, not through physical interactions and visual personality
displays that we rely on off line. So while we attempt to do the kinds of networking online that are successful in our local business groups, we
can't discount the fact that some key elements that make it possible for us to work together locally, are invisible in online communities. That
realization makes it necessary for us to explore the roles that different personalities bring to a team effort, and the roles those personalities
play in the team process.
Over the past 20 years, I've attended numerous seminars on networking, team- building, & community development. Those lessons, and my own
years of observation have taught me that any successful team will include five basic team "roles" characterized by specific talents and
traits.
You may see yourself in more than one role, and also realize that your niche in any specific team process may vary depending on the group. As
we strive to network and grow our businesses together, we must recognize individual strengths and weaknesses of those around us, and understand
our places in the community process.
- Creators: Idea people -- Prone to seeing "something" where others see "nothing." Tend to have "brilliant" ideas, often with no
clue how they might be implemented, but sure they can be. Visionaries who see the big picture beyond the immediate challenge. Fearless. Can
hear a problem and rather quickly generate ideas for new concepts and often unusual solutions.
- Developers (sometimes called Advancers): Open-minded. Willing to explore and implement new ideas. Tend toward previously
successful personal methods of planning and task implementation. Like to get things moving quickly. A bit fearless. Tendency to just get the
job done and not always think of the consequences. Necessary to move a project forward from thinking to "doing something about it." Keep
everything in line, almost to a fault.
- Analyzers (sometimes called Refiners): Keep everything in line, almost to a fault. Analyze, challenge and review. Can be seen as
"throwing cold water" on ideas. Tend not to be risk-takers on their own, and seldom offer new ideas. Don't react quickly. Sometimes too
conservative, but can force a group to revisit a concept and help to create a more refined and better result.
- Implementers: Make the plan reality. Want someone else to formulate the plan, then let them do the job. Efficient and methodical.
Don't care for discussion. Don't particularly need or want to lead. Want to get the job done right through a carefully thought-out process.
Sometimes rightfully called "worker bees." Essential -- they make things happen.
- Facilitators: Must have clear-cut understanding of the over-all project mission and long-term vision of the group. A liaison
position. Objectively keeps project moving from one phase to another, while keeping conflict and distractions to a minimum. Must have clear
understanding of the value all roles play in the process, and be capable of steering a team back on course when distractions occur. Prevents
lost time and productivity.
Different sources describe team roles differently, but time and again the same basic descriptions are provided of individuals who comprise any
team. In networking, utilizing combined strengths to overcome individual weaknesses is a definite way to grow. Cherish differences. Revel in
ideas and unique concepts. Appreciate cautiousness. Look for experience and specific skills to "make it happen." See value in questions and
attention to detail. Understand the need for over-all objectivity. As united business owners who value all our combined facets, we shine!
© Carol Auclair Daly
The Creative Enterprises Network
http://www.creativethought.com
http://www.asmallbusinessdirectory.com
Carol Daly founded The Creative Enterprises Network, a successful working community for small and home-based business owners in 1998. "The
community's biggest assets are its long-time members and their willingness to work and cross promote together. They are people with dreams and
creativity and a work ethic that doesn't quit. And in our close working relationship, the most successful of them realized long ago that we have
more to gain by working together than going it alone. And each member holds a special place on this team." Does everyone stick with the game
plan? "No, of course not. People come and some people go, but a good majority of those who've gone, are no longer in business at all. You have to
have that drive to make your business work, whether that business is online or in a bricks and mortar building, and no matter what else happens
in your life. We hope to help people stay the path, and do our best to get them over the rough spots from start-up to success. And what business
doesn't have rough spots?"
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