This spring, my son was in the internship search. I, of course, connected him to a bunch of people to “connect”. After one call he said, “We barely talked about the job, but it turns out she’s into dance too.”
I laughed and said that’s great! Seeing his confusion, I explained that the point was to build a relationship, not to land the job.
We often talk about networking as something you do at events, conferences, or for career needs. But networking is something we are actually doing in every conversation we have.
How to think about your network
Your network is simply all the people you are connected to. They could be close friends, neighbors, parents in your kid’s school, people you went to camp with that you haven’t seen in years, and all the people you met along the way of your career. Some of those ties are obviously closer than others, but all have potential.
A Story About My Network
I remember, during the pandemic, I had become more connected to my college friends than I have been in years. It occurred to me that my best friends from my freshman hall, is diverse in many ways.
- The geographies covered are Texas, Greece, California, Maryland, New Jersey, and Florida.
- The jobs sectors include teacher, doctor, non-profit, entrepreneur, and nursing home therapist.
- We represent different religions, ethnicity, and political views.
Over the years we have had a continuous chat chain which consistently reveals our different views on how “things” should be handled. Those “things” have run the gamut and yes, politics is definitely one of them.
There have been many differences of opinion – and isn’t that a gift! That’s the value of a diversified personal network — it keeps you grounded, curious, and open to thinking differently.
The Similarity Trap
The Law of Similarity states, “People like people like them.” True. But it is also a trap.
Surrounding ourselves with like-minded people reinforces our thinking and doesn’t challenge it. We can all like and embrace those that are different. Remember, even when there are differences, there are also similarities – you just may need to look for them.
Having a diverse set of people in your life gives you perspective and broadens your thinking. It enables you to stay open and accepting of other people’s points of view, even though you may not necessarily see eye-to-eye. I’m sure we can all agree that a little more acceptance and understanding is what the world needs right now – but perhaps that is too lofty a goal.
The Key to a Great Network
The real strength of a network isn’t its size — it’s its diversity.
Diverse networks bring different ways of thinking into your world. When everyone around you looks, talks, and thinks like you, it’s easy to fall into echo chambers — situations where assumptions go unchecked and blind spots go unnoticed.
We may not be able to impact the world, so let’s make it about you. Think about it; the diversity of your connections and the quality and quantity of those relationships all contribute to your personal innovation and impact.
Applying that idea to the office, cognitively diverse teams solve problems faster than teams of similarly thinking people. It’s diversity that fosters a more creative and innovative workplace. Diverse teams and organizations make better decisions. Diverse networks give you access to different viewpoints, varied information, and extended connections.
Why Leaders Benefit Most from Diversified Networks
Leaders who intentionally diversify their networks:
- Avoid groupthink
- See problems from multiple angles
- Make better decisions under uncertainty
- Generate more innovative solutions
- Build influence across different spheres
Contrast that with a homogeneous circle: it may feel comfortable, but it limits insight. Leaders are often the bridge between strategy and execution. The more varied the perspectives they can draw on, the stronger their decisions.
When leaders diversify their networks and nurture them with curiosity and consistency — that’s when influence deepens, culture strengthens, and communication becomes more effective.
Diversified networks aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re strategic.
Your Weekly Challenge: Be Curious Before You Debate
Diverse networks expose you to viewpoints you won’t always agree with. The goal isn’t agreement — it’s understanding.
Curiosity signals respect and creates space for honest dialogue. True diversification requires intentional engagement — not casual collection.
Connection isn’t just a social asset. It’s a leadership and life imperative.