Leaders need a range of types of people in their network. It’s important to periodically review and refresh how you are engaging with your networks. Is it up to date with your current plans and achievements? Are you making the most from your network and are they getting the most from you?
Conduct the short mapping exercise in the Imperial Academic’s Success Guide to reflect on who is currently in your network, where you might want to strengthen existing ties (including updating them on what you’re doing now!) or seek out new connections. You may also be reminded of people who you are now in a good position to support or mentor.
What will you take forward?
One thing to try: Name one relationship in your network that would benefit from refreshing, deepening, or simply reconnecting without an agenda. When will you contact them?
Related Resouces
See all Established Researcher resources
Carers and Careers in Academia: real life stories
Reflect on some of the things which genuinely help or hinder academics with caring responsibilities, through reading lived experiences.
Effective induction practices – from the Academic’s Success Guide
Get induction right from the start, helping new staff and students settle in quickly and efficiently, with a clear understanding of expectations.
Growing your research group – online resource for independent fellows and Early-Career PIs
Support the shift from being a researcher to a group leader, with practical insight on scaling teams, roles, and processes sustainably.
Returning Well – A guide for working parents and their managers
Navigate parental leave and return with realism, self-compassion, and sustainable expectations.
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