If you’re looking to become a better influencer, increase teamwork and collaboration, and avoid bottlenecks in your projects, network mapping may help.
In Sloan Management Review’s article “When Collaboration Fails and How to Fix It.”, the authors use network mapping to illustrate different dysfunctional collaborative structures and argue that understanding these network structures is critical for effective collaboration.
I have personally used network mapping in number of training programs. Recently, a senior manager from my Leadership workshop over 10 years ago shared that the network mapping technique she learned in the workshop had been invaluable in building her influence and key relationships at a senior level. Similarly, a CEO of an international bank attending my Project Management workshop used the technique to identify what was holding his regional project back and what to do about it. I have also used network mapping in Key Account Management sales training workshops to help clients plan for better penetration of customer accounts.
To get started with network mapping, follow these steps:
- Map out the individual key players (stakeholders) by name, job role, and hierarchy.
- Draw the lines of communication. Who is talking to whom? Who is not talking? What is working well? Where are the gaps?
- Identify the key influencers. Who are they? Who are the outsiders? Identify the ‘change champions’, supporters, resisters, and those sitting on the fence. Who within the network diagram can help you achieve your goals?
- Identify their interests and priorities. This helps you understand the issues from their perspective – especially important if you are entering into a negotiation.
- Next, identify your own personal relationship with the key people in the network. Where is the relationship strong? Where does it need to be improved? How will you achieve this? What is holding you back?
- Finally, develop your action plan. What do you need to do to get things on track? Make a personal commitment to action.
In summary, network mapping is a simple, powerful tool that enables leaders to understand the dynamics of communication and plan specific actions to overcome bottlenecks within projects, drive change, and resolve team conflicts. Network mapping can build your power to influence within your own team, your organization and your clients’ organizations. By leveraging network mapping, we can become a more effective leaders and influencers, and drive positive change within our organizations.
Anthony Brophy
Illustration: examples of dysfunctional team structures – from Sloan Management Review: “When Collaboration Fails and How to Fix It””
