By: Allison McCarthy, MBA | amccarthy@barlowmccarthy.com
As program leaders, you are the bridge between senior leadership and the team, tasked with implementing strategies, driving performance and managing the day-to-day work. This time-intensive obligation can trap you in a siloed world. Investing time and energy in networking outside your program will provide insights into competitor activity, innovative approaches and industry trends to assess your team’s performance.
Often overlooked, networking is more than exchanging business cards or LinkedIn requests. It is about building relationships that foster mutual growth, learning from peers, and understanding the broader marketplace. Here’s why networking should be a key part of your 2025 plans.
- Gain Fresh Perspectives
Program leaders in service lines, marketing, physician strategies and practice management are the linchpin between executives’ high-level vision and their teams’ operational realities. Networking with industry professionals can provide fresh insights and new methods for common challenges. The diversity of thought from a strong network can spark creativity and critical thinking skills.
- Expand Career Opportunities
Networking is not just about where you are today; it’s about where you want to be tomorrow. Engaging with a broader network can open doors to future roles, projects, or leadership opportunities. Your professional connections can be invaluable to climb the organizational ladder or pivot to a different area.
Coaching client Mary Hajjar noted, “While networking used to be an activity I’ve shied away from, it has been helping me learn about recent market trends and the resulting hiring needs. It has also given me a glimpse of different companies’ challenges and their respective innovative solutions that were not previously on my radar. And consider ways I can leverage these in my current professional search and next role.”
- Learn Best Practices and Industry Trends
Keeping up with industry trends, technological advances and best practices is essential but overwhelming. Networking with others encourages the exchange of knowledge and insights on the latest tools and methods. This continuous learning enhances your managerial skills and keeps you competitive and adaptable in a rapidly changing environment.
“Through conferences like the Physician Strategies Summit and groups like the Barlow/McCarthy Physician Relations Collaborative, I have learned tools and techniques from my peers that have helped me advance my program,” says Jessica Clarke, Director of Strategy & Business Development at Hackensack Meridian Health.
- Build a Support System
Being a program leader can be isolating. You are responsible for delivering results and managing your team, but you might not have access to the same level of support that senior leaders enjoy.
“Networking with industry colleagues has proven invaluable to me as I adjust to my new role as department director. Their willingness to share their experiences, both positive and negative, has helped me more successfully navigate the challenges of leading a team,” per Rachel Jones, Director of Physician Recruitment, UPMC in Central PA.
When facing complex team dynamics, internal politics, or organizational change, having a network of trusted peers allows you to seek guidance and gain reassurance. You will feel more confident tackling complex issues knowing that others have faced similar challenges and become stronger.
- Increasing Visibility and Credibility
Being visible is as important as being competent in this busy professional world. Networking can raise your profile within your organization and industry. The more you engage with your network, the more likely others will think of you when opportunities arise, whether for a critical project or a promotion. Well-connected program leaders tend to be more influential, as their network serves as an extension of their expertise and credibility.
- Enhancing your Internal Connections
The more opportunities you have to be in meetings with senior leadership, the more you can learn from varying styles and approaches. Plus, you will have the chance to engage in discussions with those who have successfully navigated similar issues. A network of internal leaders can also encourage you to think bigger and stretch your goals, further honing your strategic thinking capabilities.
- Fostering Collaboration and Partnerships
One of the most practical benefits of networking is the opportunity to foster collaborations. Whether across departments, within your industry, or even with vendors or consultants, having a broad network increases the likelihood of forming valuable partnerships.
Collaborations can lead to joint projects that enhance your team’s performance or bring in resources that otherwise would not have been available. These partnerships can help you achieve business goals more efficiently and position yourself as a vital contributor to organizational success.
If networking feels overwhelming or outside your comfort zone, start small. Here are a few tips:
- Attend Industry Events: Conferences, seminars, and workshops are great places to meet like-minded professionals. If travel is not permitted, look for local and regional programs.
- Leverage Online Platforms: LinkedIn and industry-specific forums are perfect for connecting with peers, joining discussions, and staying updated on trends.
- Be Genuine: Networking isn’t just about what you can get; it’s about building mutually beneficial relationships. Approach it with a genuine interest in learning and helping others.
- Follow-Up: After meeting someone, follow up with a brief message or connection request to solidify the relationship
For program leaders, networking is an essential tool for professional growth. It opens the door to new perspectives, career opportunities and industry knowledge while providing a support system and increasing visibility. By prioritizing networking, you enhance your current role and set yourself up for long-term career success in your career journey.
Make networking a consistent part of your 2025 agenda and watch how it accelerates your leadership development.
I am currently signing up clients for my exclusive leadership coaching offering in 2025. Are you interested? If so, reach out at info@barlowmccarhty.com and I will be in touch.