During the pandemic lock down, I was feeling scared and vulnerable.
I acquired some pretty unhealthy habits that I’m not particularly proud of. I spent hours each day consuming news from various outlets and spent more time than I care to mention doom scrolling.
I was driving myself crazy! I realized my behavior wasn’t serving me well and made conscious effort to be part of something positive and nurturing.
So, I went online and attended webinars and joined some online communities.
Initially, I participated in these groups as an observer. I listened silently, sometimes with my camera off. But as time passed, I became more actively engaged by joining chat conversations or raising my virtual hand to make a comment.
I was under the impression that when the pandemic restrictions were finally lifted, these new connections would phase out. But as it turned out, there were 4 very tangible outcomes I achieved as a result of expanding my community.
Find the full transcript and other resources for women leaders at livingwhileleading.com/4.
Why Women Leaders Need to Build Connections Outside of Their Inner Circle
As an executive woman, you often find yourself immersed in a world of business meetings, networking events, and professional responsibilities.
Your immediate circle of friends and colleagues can provide valuable support, but there’s immense value in expanding your community beyond these familiar faces.
Building connections outside of your usual group of friends and associates can enhance personal growth, foster diverse perspectives, and provide a sense of belonging. Here’s how …
- Expanding Perspectives: When you limit your interactions to a small group of friends or colleagues, you may inadvertently limit your exposure to diverse perspectives.
Engaging with individuals from different backgrounds, industries, and cultures broadens your horizons. It also challenges your preconceived notions and invites fresh ideas and insights into your life.
Exposure to diverse perspectives stimulates creativity, expands problem-solving abilities, and encourages innovative thinking.
- Support and Encouragement: Building a community outside your inner circle allows you to find support from individuals who understand your unique experiences as an executive woman.
Sharing your triumphs, setbacks, and aspirations can foster a sense of camaraderie and provide a safe space for open dialogue.
This can increase your confidence, reinforce your resilience, and empower you to overcome obstacles with renewed determination.
- Personal Growth and Development: An extended community can expose you to new learning experiences that you may not have encountered otherwise.
Engaging with individuals who possess different skills, expertise, and knowledge can inspire you to push your boundaries, explore new interests, and acquire fresh skills.
- Networking and Collaboration: Exchanges with individuals from different industries or professional backgrounds can lead to unexpected connections and mutually beneficial partnerships.
These relationships allow you to tap into a broader network of resources, knowledge, and support and can lead to professional opportunities and collaborative endeavors.
- Finding Like-Minded Individuals: Connecting with individuals or groups who share your interests, passions and values can act as a source of inspiration and create a feeling of acceptance.
The Value of Online Relationships for Women in Leadership Roles
Let’s return to my story. As I mentioned, I joined some online communities and started to regularly attend their meetings. Some webinar hosts would even contact me directly to ask whether I would join their meetings since they appreciated my engagement.
Over a 2-year period, I built relationships and established friendships that continue today. My initial reason for exploring online groups was to provide me with a distraction from my routine. I never anticipated how much I would gain from reimagining how relationships can exist. Here are the highlights of my experience:
- I continue to participate in monthly online book club meetings where the group reads and discusses books that I would have otherwise never been exposed to.
- A new contact facilitated a professional introduction which resulted in me getting a new client.
- One of my online friends shared valuable resources which supported me in expanding my professional capabilities.
- I made friends! I even met some of the book club members in real life for dinner and drinks. It was amazing meeting these inspiring people in person!
The Top 4 Tips Business Women Can Use to Unlock New Horizons
Expanding your community is a powerful step which will broaden your horizons. Here are my top 4 recommendations to get started which apply to both online and in-person community building:
- Take the first step in expanding your community by actively seeking opportunities to connect with people or groups which fall outside of your usual networking and professional organizations.
- Embrace diversity by seeking out individuals from diverse backgrounds, industries and cultures. Engage in conversations that challenge your assumptions and expose you to new ideas.
- Seek and give support by sharing your aspirations, challenges and experiences. Offer support and encouragement to others. Your kindness will come back to you.
- Explore how your skills and expertise can complement others and be open to collaborative and partnership opportunities.
Embrace the value of building a vibrant and diverse community that nurtures your growth, amplifies your impact, and enriches your life in ways you never imagined possible!
Remember, you are the solution to claiming what’s important to you!
