The growth path of a leader is characterized by a support community. This community comprises a network of friends, mentors, coaches and sponsors. When it comes to networking, most leaders early on in their journey tend to over-focus on the vertical networks. Vertical networks consist of the people that are ahead of you in the career ladder. If you are an Operations Manager, this could mean the Chief Financial Officers, the Chief Operations Officer or any other C-suite person.
The challenge with vertical networking is that they’re always filled. The average CFO or CEO is receiving daily requests for mentorship and sponsorship. Over time, we’ve found lots of value in optimizing horizontal networks. For one simple reason, the horizontal networks will put you in the faces of the vertical networks.
If you are in supply chain operations, the horizontal network could be the financial controller at the same level. It could be the human resources manager. It’s easy to grow horizontal networks since they’re usually peer-to-peer based collaborations. Working on projects together, and actually growing together through the ranks is an easier way to network out one’s career path.