Last updated on Jun 29, 2024

Here's how you can cultivate a powerful network of support and allies, including your boss.

Building a strong support network is crucial in any professional environment, especially within the realm of case management where collaboration and alliances can significantly impact outcomes. Cultivating a network of allies, including your boss, can not only enhance your work experience but also provide a foundation for career growth and success. It's not just about who you know; it's about nurturing those relationships. So, let's explore how you can effectively strengthen your connections and create a robust support system.

1 Understand Needs

To create a powerful network, start by understanding the needs and goals of those around you. This knowledge allows you to offer valuable assistance, making you a go-to resource. When you help others achieve their objectives, you lay the groundwork for reciprocal support. Pay close attention to your boss's priorities; aligning with them can make you indispensable and foster a strong ally in leadership.

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Lisa Pahl, LCSW

Co-creator of The Death Deck, Community Educator and Hospice Social Worker
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Listen more and talk less. Having a supportive network at work is dependent on your relationships. The best way to form genuine and supportive relationships with colleagues and management is through listening to their issues and concerns. Sometimes, that's all that is needed to resolve an issue; the person either realizes a way forward, or through your genuine listening, you're able to offer potential solutions.

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Melba Madsen

Project Supervisor/Intensive Case Manager, leading a team of individuals on the cutting edge of Housing Stainability practices. Working with local agencies to curb the growing unhoused crisis facing our state and nation.
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For my supervisor I have found a few time consuming or tedious tasks that I tend to be a little more adept at and they slow her down taking time away from her other duties. I have taken them on to free her up.

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2 Communicate Value

Effective communication is key to demonstrating your value. Regularly share your achievements and how they contribute to the team's success. This isn't about bragging; it's about making your work visible in a way that highlights collaborative efforts. When your boss and peers see the tangible benefits of your contributions, they're more likely to become supportive allies.

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Andiswa September

Case Manager at Nurture Health South Africa
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Communication plays a vital role in Case Management position on both internal and external . Make it easy to reach goals without wasting and risking on your clients benefits and as well minimize conflict .

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Melba Madsen

Project Supervisor/Intensive Case Manager, leading a team of individuals on the cutting edge of Housing Stainability practices. Working with local agencies to curb the growing unhoused crisis facing our state and nation.
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One way to communicate your accomplishments without sound like your fishing for praise is to send a brief email in the morning letting them know which task you will be taking on. Then follow-up to let them know they are completed. In the subject line, I clearly state what the email is about, like 'Staff Paycom' or Data entry checks'

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3 Seek Feedback

Actively seeking feedback is a powerful tool for building relationships. It shows that you value others' opinions and are committed to personal growth. Engage with your boss and colleagues by asking for constructive criticism and showing appreciation for their input. This not only improves your performance but also strengthens your network by showing that you are collaborative and open-minded.

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Andiswa September

Case Manager at Nurture Health South Africa
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Also seeking feedback shows caring and being fully involve in the situation also makes assurity of everything goes smoothly . Feedback is very important shows professionalism and team work . Risks and problems will be limited .

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4 Offer Support

Be the support you seek. Actively look for opportunities to assist your colleagues and boss, whether it's through sharing knowledge, resources, or lending a hand with projects. By being reliable and helpful, you'll become an integral part of your network, and others will be more inclined to support you in return.

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5 Network Widely

Don't limit your networking efforts to immediate colleagues and supervisors. Expand your horizons by connecting with professionals from different departments or even outside your organization. Attend industry events, participate in forums, and engage in professional groups. A diverse network can provide broader perspectives and unexpected opportunities.

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Melba Madsen

Project Supervisor/Intensive Case Manager, leading a team of individuals on the cutting edge of Housing Stainability practices. Working with local agencies to curb the growing unhoused crisis facing our state and nation.
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In the unfortunate event you find yourself among the unemployed. Having a broad network can sometimes equate to months off the time you stay there. It also can give you invaluable connections to services and opportunities to better serve your clients.

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6 Maintain Relationships

Lastly, don't let your connections grow stale. Regularly check in with your contacts, even if it's just a brief conversation or a friendly email. Keeping in touch maintains the relationship and keeps you on their radar, which can be invaluable when you need advice, a favor, or an ally.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can cultivate a powerful network of support and allies, including your boss.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Needs

2 Communicate Value

3 Seek Feedback

4 Offer Support

5 Network Widely

6 Maintain Relationships

7 Here’s what else to consider

Case Management

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Thanks for your feedback

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Here's how you can cultivate a powerful network of support and allies, including your boss.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Needs

2 Communicate Value

3 Seek Feedback

4 Offer Support

5 Network Widely

6 Maintain Relationships

7 Here’s what else to consider

Case Management

Rate this article

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