I have always highlighted the importance of forming connections with people, and strengthening your ties with your network.
But here is something I should have also highlighted.
When you ping someone with the intent to form a connection via a virtual coffee or a face-to-face get together, DON’T EXPECT anything from that person.
DO NOT EXPECT them to:
🤔 reply immediately, or at all
😽 say yes to a coffee/lunch
🙊 follow through with what they said they would do
People are busy/forgetful/distracted etc. Now, you may need to politely ping them once or twice to remind them. And you may even need to reschedule an invite a few times to allow for diary conflicts.
But, remain open-minded and optimistic. You reach out because that’s what you should do. The outcome of that is beyond your control, so focus on managing your expectations.
And when you are ignored/neglected etc, do not hold it against that person.
Choose only to see the good side of people’s intentions.
hashtagLetsBeBetter hashtagLeadership hashtagRemainZen
