In this month’s Biomedical Scientist, we are carrying a feature on effective networking which, in an era of rapid change and the disappear
In this month’s Biomedical Scientist, we are carrying a feature on effective networking which, in an era of rapid change and the disappearance of the job for life, is an essential skill. My concern is that we, as a profession, are probably not the best of networkers and probably do not have a vast amount of face-to-face networking opportunities.
At this point, I should probably confess that I intensely dislike the term “networking” as for me it holds connotations of somewhat superficial and contrived interactions, and my preference is for the slow burn. But irrespective of communication preferences the importance of good communication skills and the ability to recognise and effectively utilise communication opportunities cannot be underestimated. It is therefore something of a paradox that in an era of multiple communication channels I am concerned enough about professional networking skills to write about the subject in this column.
Texts, Twitter and emails are vehicles designed for rapid exchanges; views and responses captured in a handful of words and topped with a smiley or grumpy face. Facebook is fun and LinkedIn is serious, but essentially the same. So how do we best use these multiple options to ensure we are effective networkers and not just professional “pond skaters” that glide across the surface of proper conversation?
Personally, I think that the best starting point for building a network is to seek out spoken conversation opportunities. A number of years ago, I had a conversation with a senior transfusion biomedical scientist who had recently changed job. In his new role he made it his business to go walkabout during his lunch breaks, or in any other spare moment, to visit wards and clinics to find out what they did and to learn about their awareness of, and relationship with, the transfusion laboratory. Through talking to other professional people he was able to bring about changes that benefited his laboratory, the patients and clinicians they serve and in doing so he enhanced his own professional profile.
Back in the day, when we had total coverage of our own unique networks in the form of regions and branches, there were regular networking opportunities through meetings, discussion groups and social events. Where local networks are still active they are extremely effective – would Scotland and Northern Ireland please take a bow for their thriving regions and branches that actively encourage and welcome younger members to join and be a part of the group. While handing out applause I would also like to mention the West Midlands Biomedical Science Training and Workforce Planning Group, which is an extremely well coordinated group that has a very positive effect of the education and training of biomedical scientists in the West Midlands. There is no substitute for the group of people who share a common interest and who continually reach out to their colleagues with support and friendship.
We routinely attribute the patchy demise of the Institute’s local network to changing working patterns, pressures of life in general and the rise of easy communications through social media. If this is the case then why haven’t all our local networks collapsed and why do some positively thrive? I think it is down to individuals who are motivated communicators with well-developed networking skills, and that is what the examples I have given all have in common.
This month you’ll see the updated Congress programme and one of the benefits we emphasise is the networking opportunity it presents. I think of it as the opportunity to have that one conversation that may really make a difference. It could even be the starting point for a new local network.