This past weekend, I spent three days in New York City with some fellow entrepreneurs exchanging ideas about our businesses. Even when we don't formally meet in person, we connect monthly over Zoom. Why? Entrepreneurship can be lonely as I don't have “built in” coworkers to lean on for ideas or advice. 

However, what's trending amongst my clients in corporate leadership is that they are also actively seeking community. 

Last night, I had a conversation with a site director for a national bank. She leads the financial advisory team for her district and she is proud that they have 10 female advisors in her small district (this is unusual for a male-dominated field). She said the key to their retention and success of these advisors is their semi-monthly meet ups to get in community with one other. They actively support and build up one another through wins and challenges. 

As I've talked with so many of you over the last year, one new theme is emerging - community. After we were all isolated from the pandemic, and with the rise of AI, people want REAL.  Real face time. Real people. Real support. 

For the clients I coach who are advancing up the ladder in corporate, creating an intentional support structure is critical. Why? Because as you advance at work, you can find yourself as an “only” in the decision-making rooms. Perhaps you now manage the people who used to be your peers and your relationship has changed. You can't lean on them for support like you used to. 

As your level of decisions become larger and the stakes rise, challenging emotions come with that. And remember, men naturally have this support by nature they are already present with one another in most decision-making rooms.

🔥 So for women advancing into higher levels of leadership, I how are you creating a new level of support to help you advance? When doubt hits, have a trusted group of fellow women leaders to reach out to for help and empathy. How do you find this? Keep reading below.

PUT THIS IDEA INTO ACTION

As an introvert myself, I get that reaching out to build a future supportive relationship can feel scary! Just the part about finding someone to connect with feels vulnerable. Also there tends to be a persistent myth that women in are competition with one another. I disagree. When one woman gets promoted it doesn't close the space for the rest of us, the data shows that women in leadership help companies produce more innovation and revenue. This creates more spots for us. The table gets larger.

1. Immediate Network

• Who can you reach out to that's in your family or friend group?

• What co-workers can you reconnect with from past experiences?

• Try this: Ask them for a 30:30 meeting where you can help them resolve an issue and then they help you.

2. Acquaintance Network 

• Who do you “kind of” know because you have shared acquaintances that would be a good relationship to build?

• How could you two mutually benefit from connecting?

• Try this: Ask for an introduction or message the person on social media. Remember that connection goes both ways, so highlight how a meeting could help you both.

3. Corporate Network

• What employee resource groups can you plug into? Or, corporate learning or philanthropic events you can partake in to build connections?

• If your employer doesn't have groups, is there a co-worker you can invest some relationship capital in to build a support system?

• Try this: Notice what corporate events people gravitate towards that may be an attractive support system for you. Reach out about their next event to attend.

4. Community Network

• What local women's groups exist near year you? These could be through a local religious affiliation, a women's business Facebook group that meets locally, volunteer organizations or non-profit groups.

• Try this: Grab a friend and attend a local meet-up or community event.

5. Industry Network

• What industry groups can you join to build your relationship support network?

• Many industries have “Women in _______” organizations. Google search and find a local or online chapter.

• Try this: Attend a monthly meet-up or annual conference event to be in the room with other women at your career stage for validation, tips and support.

Remember, if you can't find the support you want, perhaps this is an opportunity for YOU to create what is missing. Start a group yourself in the workplace or in your community!

Try this next: Join a support group of any kind! If you need one, come to mine on Wednesday. It's free. Get the link here.