Power Mapping: A Tool for Building Intentional Internal Networks

The best networkers are purposeful. They are dedicated to getting the best value of investment – VOI – from their networking efforts.

• They network with a focus on accomplishing a particular outcome.

• They network continually, not just when they need something.

• And they set priorities and budget their time for networking.

Purpose, or intentionality, is important regardless of your networking goals. Networking is often thought of as “extracurricular.” But networking on the job, as part of how you get things done, has enormous VOI for you, your cod-workers and your organization. The question is, how do you set priorities and budget your time for making connections with colleagues?

Power mapping is a tool to help you do this. Power mapping originated with individuals engaged in promoting positive social change. It helps people think about context, hierarchies, and relationships within the spheres they work, so it adapts well to the business environment.

It’s a visual strategy for creating a network of relationships with groups and/or individuals whom you need to help you be effective in your role and achieve your goals. It’s based on the assumption that networks of relationships are critical resources, and that stronger networks yield stronger solutions. It’s a tool for determining whom you need to influence, whose help you need in influencing those people, and whom you can influence directly.

The objective is to map a network in a particular context and with a single objective in mind. This could be one-off; e.g., successfully executing a project or solving a problem. Or it could be ongoing, such as increasing efficiency or in some other way improving performance. Either way, you need a goal that focuses on the results you’re trying to produce. And, depending on the complexity of your goal, you may need to create a list of steps, in your head or on paper before you start mapping.

Use the map to identify those with whom you need strong working relationships to accomplish your objective. You may already have relationships with some of these people. And there may be others with whom you must build a relationship.

There are five steps to creating a power map.

1. Identify what it is you want to achieve (your objective).

2. Write your objective in the form of a goal statement: specify the result or outcome you want to achieve and in what timeframe. You’ll need to be clear about this as you talk with people.

3. Identify the people from whom you’ll need cooperation/involvement, and what you want each of them to do.

4. Identify the easiest ways to access and influence these people, either directly or indirectly through someone else.

5. Plot these people and your influence paths on a power map.

Once you’ve created your power map, you can develop your plan for reaching the people on it. Understanding that good relationships are mutually beneficial, some ideas to keep in mind are:

• Do your homework – learn as much as you can about the person before you meet with them.

• Meet them in their offices to signal “I want to come to your world, not summon you to mine.”

• Start meetings by asking questions and actively listening to learn about the other person and their work unit.

• Make sure the conversation isn’t solely about you. Determine what’s in it for the other person, as well.

Finally, remember that people like to work with others they know, like, and trust. Take the time to build the relationship. Demonstrate, through your words and actions, your competence and character. Get to know people, and let them get to know you, both personally and professionally.