“A problem shared is a problem halved”. When it comes to working your way through the challenges that you face every day, it’s a great help to be able to draw on a network of supportive individuals that you can work with to find a solution. There are many of them. Of course you might expect certain help from them, but you also need to give something back.
Ally | Can help you | Expectations in return |
Team Members | Assist you with regular tasks Be loyal Be a sounding board Deliver results |
Information Loyalty Recognition Credit – given both publicly and privately |
Boss Senior Management Members |
Protect you Champion you Mentor |
Loyalty Support Assistance with his/her tasks Commitment Willingness to go the extra mile Image building |
Support Staff | Willing performance of day-to-day functions Cooperation |
Appreciation Attention Recognition |
Gateway People (Secretaries, Executive Assistants) | Provide you with access to crucial information and people | Appreciation Attention Recognition |
More Experienced Colleagues | Provide expertise, perspective, contacts, knowledge | Respect Recognition Attention |
Clients | Provide inputs for new product development initiatives Provide referrals Provide preferential status |
Preferential status Willingness to go extra mile Business leads Referrals |
Vendors | Provide extra assistance Provide preferential status |
Preferential status Business leads Referrals |
Can’t come up with more examples at the moment. What do you think?