Reach Out To A Nodding Acquaintance.
Identify someone at work who is credible and respected, at about the level of your job position, but with whom you have not communicated very much–maybe because you just haven’t felt enough of a connection to make the effort.
This week, purposely talk to that person for a few minutes. You can even tell him or her why you’re doing it: “I suddenly realized I rarely do more than nod or say hi, so I thought I’d stop for a minute.”
“Even though our jobs are different, we have some of the same customers, it seems like a good idea to do more than nod once a year!”
“The way things develop, we might be working together sometime, so I wanted to stop and say hello.”
“It seems like we hardly ever get a chance to do more than say hi, so while we have a few minutes I thought I’d better take advantage of the opportunity to see how work is going for you.”
You may find that one short conversation will last you (or them) for awhile! But, you may also discover someone who shares some of your values, seems interesting in general or who could be a good resource for you or someone else you work with, or you for them. It’s not calculated networking or aggressive friending, it’s purposeful out-reach.
You probably nod to a dozen people a day who you have never really gotten to know. They don’t know you either. Sometime in the next two or three days–don’t wait longer–make it a point to do more than nod.
DONE!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
Comment by denisek | August 21, 2011
Excellent advice for all of us. I never realized how many nodding acquaintances I have in a relatively small building. Even in my office area there are two people I don’t talk with very much. I talked to both of them today and told them about this article to explain it. We smiled!
Comment by Careerist | August 22, 2011
Tina, I wanted to thank you for the Bold Patrol class yesterday. I didn’t know what to expect but it was great and you made the day go fast. This is a great site, which isn’t surprising. Thanks again for keeping your incredible motivation and professionalism and teaching the rest of us.
Comment by badger99 | August 25, 2011
My wife picked me up for lunch one day and asked me who various people were in the parking lot. I didn’t know any of them by name, even though I had a vague idea where they worked. One of them has worked here as long as I have (9 years) and I see him all the time but I don’t know who he is or what he does. You’re right that sometimes it would be good to have contacts in other offices or just to get to know someone better than I seem to know them.
Comment by W.T. | September 3, 2011