Networks! After 17 years in a company, my network within was strong. Being a leader is often about who is in your internal Rolodex. It has names of people at all levels of the organization that helps you get the job done. Who to ping when you're in a jam, who knows the answer to a question no one else knows, and who can help push for that promotion?
When I stepped out on my own, if I'm honest, I realized I had neglected my network outside of my organization a bit. The beautiful thing is how willing people have been to connect. I have been completely blown away by the support from those in my network, old and new. It's been humbling and encouraging.
Don't forget to foster those external networking relationships. Write down a few names of those friends and colleagues you haven't talked to in a while. Make it a point to check-in. You won't regret it!
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