The HBR Guides Collection (8 Books) (HBR Guide Series)

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Chapter 11

A Smarter Way to

Network

by Rob Cross and Robert Thomas

One of the happiest, most successful executives we know

is a woman named Deb. She works at a major technology

company and runs a global business unit that has more

than 7,000 employees. When you ask her how she rose to

the top and why she enjoys her job, her answer is simple:

people. She points to her boss, the CEO, a mentor who

“always has her back”; Steve, the head of a complemen-

tary business, with whom she has monthly brainstorm-

ing lunches and occasional gripe sessions; and Tom, a

protégé to whom she has delegated responsibility for

a large portion of her division. Outside ...