The Power of Networks

6 June

Instead of just preparing kids for a world of work, how about we do better at preparing them for a world of networks.

There is a lot to be said about the effect Networks can have on both your personal and professional experiences. In my experience, it has been my Networks that have provided me with rich information, opportunities, direction, ideas and inspiration.

In my latest Courageous Dialogues podcast Hamish Curry was kind enough to join me and respond to some prickly questions. Giving his stance on what it means to be courageous as well as the power of networks and being Australian.

During this discussion he shared the idea of allowing students to draw on their Networks to develop their understanding.

The idea has left me curious on how to build students' networking skills in the classroom as well as what skills and attitudes create confident networkers. In unpacking this further I would suggest that the focus be on teaching resilience with the ability to:

have courage; the courage to reach out to others with the knowledge that not every effort will be returned and/or even matched.
be willing; willing to being open and confident to make sense of understanding out loud with others without the fear of looking stupid and/or intimidated by others.
continually put in effort; the effort that comes with the continuous pursuit of reaching out to go further with your own understanding.

The power of Networks can deepen your understanding of the world and can provide for meaningful experiences.

In my experience through networking I have had opportunities to explore diverse industries and roles, traveled to locations that are less explored and find out about cultures, values and faiths that I may not have otherwise found out about.