2 minutes
Don’t let your conversations turn into complaining sessions—and other best practices
The credit union system is fantastic for its peer networking groups and sharing of knowledge and best practices. While the point of these is to share challenges and ideas for creative solutions and innovation, they can turn into complaint sessions pretty easily. So, when I run or have run peer roundtables in previous roles, I’ve been careful not to let the discussion run down those rails.
Fortunately, I haven’t seen a lot of overly concerning complaining during networking time in the Canadian CU space because I feel that we manage this well. While leaders always need an outlet to “complain” or share challenges about common vendors or issues, in my experience, they usually stay pretty solutions-oriented, especially at a structured networking event.
Setting Ground Rules for Networking
Having a conversation at CUES recently about avoiding complaint sessions during networking time led me to think about what has worked really well in networking. Let me share some thoughts.
A great way to start when you’re approached to hear someone’s thoughts on a problem or issue a credit union leader is facing is to say something like, “Would you like me to listen, or are you looking for specific input and brainstorming?” It is also important to understand and communicate your boundaries around a conversation and to let the other person know when a networking opportunity or conversation is no longer serving its intended purpose.
5 Best Practices for Networking Groups or Connecting With Industry Peers
In addition, some key things that I find that lead to great networking are:
- Setting objectives. Having clear expectations and rules of engagement can help you redirect the conversation as needed.
- Having genuine curiosity. Demonstrating interest in getting to know the other person and their organization can pave the way for a great exchange of ideas. You can further the discussion with such coaching tactics as asking them, “Why do you think that is?” or “What else do you think could be influencing that result?”
- Empathizing. This can help forge the connection with the other person to share your own experiences and where you see shared challenges.
- Fostering connections/common ground. If you are aware of other people or organizations struggling with the same issue faced by the person you’re talking with, you might want to offer to connect them. You may also be able to share helpful resources and add to the conversation by linking system or economic issues to their challenges and exploring how solutions have worked in other areas
- Offering support/favors. Especially if you’re planning to ask for a favor, offer one first!
I hope you find some useful tips in these strategies that have worked for me. Happy networking!
Tanya Mueller Smith, CPHR, SHRM-CP, is CUES’ manager, member relations and sales support-Canada.
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