Networking for Self-Development

1. Unit 11 Networking for Self-Development Facilitator Support Materials for Networking for Self-Development

2. Unit Aim • The aim of this unit is for learners to develop knowledge, understanding and the skills required to develop personal networks to support their development. This unit is 30 Guided Learning Hours

3. Unit Description Developing personal networks is based on the principles of exchanging knowledge and experience with others for mutual benefit to help improve performance and future work opportunities. There are numerous benefits for networking for individuals and organisations – these include promoting partnership working, leveraging strengths, ensuring the right people are in the right job, and harnessing talent. It is essential to have an effective interpersonal style and know how to apply this to further develop networks, hence the link to managing self and communication styles.

4. Unit Description Continued • It is also important to make active use of the information and resources gained through active networks. It is now more important than ever to leverage competitive edge through personal assets. This unit focuses on building active networks. Specifically, learners will access existing networks to remain current with trends and developments as well as actively seek opportunities to exchange knowledge, by actively participating in networking activities such as meetings and committees. Emphasis is placed on seeking out the expertise of others and developing relationships with them as well as achieving tangible result through networking with others.

5. Unit Description Continued • In the first part of the unit, learners explore the concept of networking and the benefits of networking for individuals. The role of interpersonal skills in networking are considered. • Learners demonstrate networking skills in the second part of the unit. This includes participation in different networking activities to develop personal networks. • In the third part of the unit, learners reflect on the skills they have developed and consider different ways to develop their networking skills.

6. Learning Outcome 1: Understand the concept of networking Amplification of the Learning Outcome: Developing networks: pro-actively search out opportunities to develop skills and knowledge; use a range of sources of information for networking opportunities eg colleagues, peers, tutors, work, leisure activities; target contacts relevant to own aims/capabilities; target networks which will benefit eg self, others, work; networking activities eg seminars, external meetings, internal meetings, meetings with mentors/ work colleagues, committees and conferences

7. Amplification of the Learning Outcome Continued • Interpersonal skills for networking: body language; speaking eg voice, clarity, tone listening; use of questioning; build rapport; seek mutual understanding; tune in to emotional cues; show integrity; share information; establish mutually beneficial relationships; collaborate; maintain relationships; presentation skills and reasons why interpersonalskills are essential for effective networking • Benefits of networking: increase knowledge; develop expertise; gain solutions to problems; share knowledge and expertise with others; keep up-to-date with new ideas/ advances; increase personal effectiveness; gain new ideas to benefit your company eg cost-cutting and competitiveness

8. Assessment Criteria for Learning Outcome 1 Assessment Criteria: 1.1 Explain how networks are developed Open discussion with Learners 1.2 Evaluate the role of interpersonal skills in networking Open discussion with Learners 1.3 Analyse the benefits of networking for individuals Open discussion with Learners

9. Learning Outcome 2: Be able to develop personal networks Amplification of the Learning Outcome: Networking: sources of information relevant to own aims/capabilities eg colleagues, peers, tutors, work, leisure activities; networking activities eg seminars, external meetings, internal meetings, meetings with mentors/ work colleagues, committees and conferences

10. Amplification of the Learning Outcome Continued • Skills for networking: interpersonal skills eg collaboration, building rapport; communication skills eg active listening, presentation skills; confidence; self-assurance; motivation; enthusiasm and initiative • Maintaining networks: set up a database; follow up leads and contacts; keep commitments; methods eg phone, emails, teleconferencing, videoconferencing and social and business networking websites

11. Assessment Criteria for Learning Outcome 2 Assessment Criteria: 2.1 Present evidence of three different networking activities to include: using different sources of information participation in different networking activities personal networks developed

12. Assessment Criteria for Learning Outcome 2 Continued • 2.2 Demonstrate skills for networking to include: • active listening • collaboration • building rapport • presentation skills • 2.3 Present plans to maintain personal networks

13. Learning Outcome 3: Be able to reflect on self-development achieved through networking activities Amplification of the Learning Outcome: Refection on development of skills: awareness of own strengths and weaknesses; stages in reflection eg description (What happened?), analysis (What went well? What was less successful?), clarification (Were goals met? What needs to be done differently?) and what action (What needs to be done next?) Developing skills for networking: build on strengths; seek opportunities to develop identified weaknesses; use databaseto further contacts; seek further opportunities for networking and seek feedback

14. Assessment Criteria for Learning Outcome 3 Assessment Criteria: 3.1 Review own skills developed through networking activities Open discussion with Learners 3.2 Suggest how to develop own skills for networking Open discussion with Learners

15. Appropriate Books Goleman D Emotional Intelligence & Working with Emotional Intelligence: "Emotional Intelligence", "Working with EQ" (Bloomsbury Publishing 2004) ISBN 978-0747574569 Vickers A Personal Impact: What it Takes to Make a Difference (Prentice Hall Life 2008) ISBN 978-0273720324

16. Appropriate Websites www.youth-partnership.net/export/sites/default/youth-partnership/documents/Publications/T_kits/1/2_managing_self.pdf How to teach skills about managing self www.performancing.com/networking/3-ways-immediately-improve-your-networking-skills Creating personal networks

17. Appropriate Websites Continued • www.boston.com/jobs/news/articles/2007/12/09/social_networking_tools_give_introverts_opportunities_to_connect_lift_careers/ • Social networking tools and blogs for connecting and networking • www.cafonline.org/PDF/JobCompetencies.pdf • Job competences for managing self