It's Who You Know

7 Sink the 12 Shadow Archetypes

I once had a boss who was a great connection, on paper — female, successful, results oriented, a great supporter of me and my work. Over time, however, as my success and network of influence grew, her behaviour changed.

Once productive meetings became discussions of negative details; my big ideas, which had once been embraced enthusiastically, were shut down; my personal ambitions were devalued and marginalised. I was clearly and continuously put back in my box. A woman who had once inspired me now began to limit me.

A strategic network is not just about having 12 key people; it's about having the right 12 people.

In chapters 5 and 6 you learn to identify your Nexus, which comprises a Core Four among 12 key people. These are the individuals who will positively influence your future, the people who will work collectively to stretch you and push you further than you could ever go alone. These are the right people to have in your network.

Think of your network as your baby. You need to love it, protect it, nurture it, and provide constant care and attention. Parents are always on top of who their children associate with; we absolutely don't want them to get in with the wrong crowd. We need to think of our network in the same way.

With the good comes the bad.

It might seem unlikely that you would associate with someone who doesn't support you or your work, but often their negative impact won't be immediately evident. It is only with time and experience ...