Information is power. Knowledge is power. At work, information and knowledge allow us to be at our best and contribute in a highly effective manner. We stay focused on the important, are fully aware of emerging issues and obstacles, and understand the “big picture.” Without timely information and knowledge, we end up working in a vacuum and we’re not hooked in to “real time” needs, opportunities and circumstances.
You simply can NOT effectively succeed if you’re out of the information loop at work. You’re bound to get tripped up.
Are you in the loop or out of the loop? Some signs you may be out of the loop include:
- You hear about things only as they are happening, with no advanced notice or no forewarning.
- You hear about company matters from people and friends OUTSIDE of your company; you may hear about things first in the media.
- Others at work often surprise you with things they know about the company.
- You often find the project you’re working on has been “tabled” or is no longer important – after having spent significant time and effort on the project.
So, what can you do to stay in the loop? How do you keep current on company events, happenings and results? Consider these ideas:
- Build and maintain your internal network. Do this particularly with individuals outside of your group or department. Expand your “coverage” within the company. Go to lunch, have coffee, attend company outings, etc.
- Set up a “Google Alert” using your company name as the search string. You can have those alerts routed to your e-mail box or dropped into Google Reader if you subscribe to that application.
- Stay in touch with alumni – people who have left the company. You’ll be surprised at how “in the loop” some of those people can be.
- Maintain a great relationship with your boss/manager/supervisor. Spend time with them often. Ask questions, be alert for signals.
- Read all information published by your company – newsletters, annual reports, press releases, etc.
- Keep your eyes and ears open. Be alert when “outsiders” visit the company, particularly if they spend time interviewing the management team. Ask about those situations.
- Share knowledge YOU gain with others. You’ll set up a reciprocal type relationship when you do so.
A final note: Beware of the “Rumor Mill.” Always confirm things you hear with others in the organization whom you trust. Don’t be shy about asking your boss or supervisor. Dispel rumors once you know the real story – don’t let them fester.
[This article was originally posted on an earlier date]
Andy Robinson, founder of Career Success Partners, is a leading authority on career success and 15-year career coaching veteran.
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About Andy Robinson
These tips are fabulous. Using Google Alerts is my new favorite research tool. It's the best way to stay in-the-know on virtually any subject – including a company.
But my favorite tip is the one about staying in touch with alumni. Ironically, I'm going to a former employer reunion in April. Over 50 past colleagues are expected to attend, many who I haven't seen in a decade. They've all landed in different places, which is going to allow us to build our networking up significantly in just one day. I cannot wait to see many of these folks who I enjoyed so much working with. It was one of those companies that when you talk about your experience there, a big smile comes across your face. I think more of these 'corporate alumni meet-ups' are going to crop up as start-up companies flash and die. So, for anyone out there who used to work at a great company that no longer exists, I strongly encourage you to head up the first reunion.
These tips are fabulous. Using Google Alerts is my new favorite research tool. It's the best way to stay in-the-know on virtually any subject – including a company.
But my favorite tip is the one about staying in touch with alumni. Ironically, I'm going to a former employer reunion in April. Over 50 past colleagues are expected to attend, many who I haven't seen in a decade. They've all landed in different places, which is going to allow us to build our networking up significantly in just one day. I cannot wait to see many of these folks who I enjoyed so much working with. It was one of those companies that when you talk about your experience there, a big smile comes across your face. I think more of these 'corporate alumni meet-ups' are going to crop up as start-up companies flash and die. So, for anyone out there who used to work at a great company that no longer exists, I strongly encourage you to head up the first reunion.
These tips are fabulous. Using Google Alerts is my new favorite research tool. It's the best way to stay in-the-know on virtually any subject – including a company.
But my favorite tip is the one about staying in touch with alumni. Ironically, I'm going to a former employer reunion in April. Over 50 past colleagues are expected to attend, many who I haven't seen in a decade. They've all landed in different places, which is going to allow us to build our networking up significantly in just one day. I cannot wait to see many of these folks who I enjoyed so much working with. It was one of those companies that when you talk about your experience there, a big smile comes across your face. I think more of these 'corporate alumni meet-ups' are going to crop up as start-up companies flash and die. So, for anyone out there who used to work at a great company that no longer exists, I strongly encourage you to head up the first reunion.