About the Author

Dr. Wendy E. O’Connor is a social psychologist specializing in organizational politics. She founded Executive Spin Inc. in 2002, focusing on executive assessment and leadership coaching. Known for her keen ability to understand the complexities of her clients' professional worlds, she fosters an atmosphere of respect, credibility, and trust.

Dr. O’Connor’s strong analytical skills have contributed to the success of numerous national and regional change initiatives. She is recognized for blending academic expertise with real-world experience, helping clients translate vision into action. Her ability to operationalize and implement strategic goals serves as a catalyst for change, promoting focus and clarity.

Before transitioning into psychology, Dr. O’Connor had a dynamic career with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). As a TV producer-director and radio/television announcer, she covered complex and often sensitive stories. Her deep curiosity eventually led her to pursue advanced degrees in social psychology. She holds a BA from St. Francis Xavier University, an MSc from Memorial University, and a PhD from Carleton University.

Superpower Your Career: Invest in the Soft Power of Networking!

Did you know that 85% of roles are filled through social or professional connections? Networking is essential for both getting things done in our day-to-day jobs and for our longer-term career progression. It exposes you to new ideas, provides access to critical information, expands your influence, and opens doors to new opportunities. By building strong professional relationships, you can stay current on industry trends and position yourself for long-term success.

The Power of Soft Skills

In an era where AI is transforming the workplace, soft skills are more important than ever. While technical skills can be automated, soft skills—such as networking—are becoming key differentiators. Unlike hard skills, which focus on technical expertise, soft skills encompass interpersonal abilities, collaboration, and relationship-building. These skills are difficult to quantify but play a critical role in career progression. Employees with strong networking abilities gain a strategic edge, enhance their career prospects, and contribute to collective team success.

Expanding Career and Social Networks

1. Identify and engage in activities you can invest in - both inside and outside your organization to understand and appreciate various departmental dependencies.
2. Connect through people you already know – reflect on the ways they can connect you to people or groups that you do not yet know.
3. Focus on and develop the value you bring to your network – feels more natural and authentic.
4. Prioritize and fully invest in a few activities – favor active over passive networking. Investigate what task force, project or stretch assignment you can sign up for to broaden your network and connect with a diverse range of people.

Whether you’re more established or just getting started, the effectiveness of networking is based on mutual investment and approaching the following steps with curiosity, excitement and an open mind. A growth mindset can help you make important connections with colleagues who think differently. To make networking a habit, shift your mindset by: 

• Rethinking your definition of hard and soft skills
• Reframing networking
• Assessing interpersonal skills
• Creating win/win situations
• Giving more than you receive

Networking is like nutrition and fitness—most people know it’s essential, but few make it a top priority. The only way to truly understand its impact is to start doing it and experience the results firsthand.

Don’t let a lack of networking hold you back. Make it a priority, take action, and unlock new opportunities in both your personal and professional life!