Leaders in organizations often owe their success not to individual effort but to the strength of their networks, according to Randy Wolken, President & CEO of the Manufacturers Association Of Central New York (MACNY). In a recent message, Wolken addressed the misconception that organizational achievements can be credited solely to one person at the top.
“There’s a great myth in most leadership stories that individual leaders are the reason for the success of their organizations. However, that just isn’t true. Do you know of any highly successful leaders who don’t have a great network? No matter how good a leader someone may be, no company can attribute all its success to a single leader,” Wolken stated.
He emphasized that successful leadership depends on being connected with trusted individuals, including family, friends, community members, colleagues, and co-workers. “It’s this network that you must surround yourself with that’s the foundation of leadership success. The question is, how do you create and maintain such a successful network?” he asked.
Wolken outlined three key questions for building effective networks: who should be included in the network; what kind of help should be sought from them; and how leaders can build these connections. He said leaders should seek out people who are trustworthy and willing to challenge them constructively. “For me, I look for people who are gifted beyond my capacity and abilities. Surround yourself with the best people to be the best leader you can be,” he explained.
On seeking help from others within their networks, Wolken encouraged honesty about personal needs and openness to support. “The key is to be honest about what you need most and work your way down your list,” he said.
Wolken also discussed reciprocity as an important part of maintaining strong professional relationships: “My rule of thumb is to give others what you want from them. Give them your trust, care, honesty, and assistance with your capabilities. Invest in them.”
Drawing on his own experience at MACNY, Wolken described relying on board members for advice and guidance: “As MACNY’s President & CEO, I often need the advice and guidance of our trusted board members. I’m blessed to have a great board that has always been more than willing to assist our team.”
He further noted the qualities sought in board members: “We look for board members who are caring, smart, give to others, and have excellent capabilities. These qualities make them a great network of capable supporters of not only MACNY but also for me as an individual.”
In closing his remarks, Wolken encouraged others in leadership roles to reflect on their own networks and take steps toward building supportive relationships: “Now is a great time to build your leadership network… Today is the best day to begin busting that age-old myth of the singular leader because it was always just that; a myth.”
