Clumping!

When you go to a meeting do you always sit by the same people, in the same place?  What about when you attend an outside meeting or training session?  Do you pal around with people you know?

It’s natural to stay with familiar people in unfamiliar places.  Its easy to stay in the habit of sitting with the same people in the same place.  I started to do that in grade school!

Of course you’ve heard “if you keep doing the same thing you’ll get the same result.”

To move your career forward, you’ve got to branch out – internally and externally.

Moving ahead can be lonely.

Here’s some tips to help you ease out of the familiar group.  At first you’re going to get reactions that remind you of high school.  You’re changing and breaking loose from your clique.

Tip 1:  When you start doing something new it will make your work buddies uncomfortable.  Be aware that this will cause comments and a pull to get you back in the group and familiar behavior.  You’re changing – they aren’t – and don’t want you to!

Tip 2:  Start small.  Sit in a different location during your regular meetings.  Find someone different or new to talk with and sit with.

Tip 3:  Lunch – break out of the old mode!  Invite someone you don’t know well to share lunch.  Ask them about their work and their career.

Tip 4:  If you’re going to an outside meeting and are anticipating a potential clumping of your co-workers – don’t carpool.  Arrive at a different time than the rest.  If they insist on “meeting you” someplace, let the know you’d like to use this outside opportunity to practice networking and meeting others.  When you get to your meeting, stick to your plan!

Tip 5:  Maintain your good relationships.  These tips aren’t about dumping your work buddies.  You will naturally see them and work with them plenty.  This is about being seen as an individual, not just part of a group.  Groups don’t get promoted – individuals do.

Do you think other issues might crop up?  What have you experienced when you’ve broken away from a routine or group?  Leave a your comments below.

I’ll share more networking tips you can use to expand your circle – in the next blog!

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