The workforce is constantly changing. Today, we represent diversity, in many aspects, and as an agency and we need to ensure that we continually support those around us who offer different perspectives because one-size doesn’t fit all in this expanding world of new clients, new technology and new challenges.
At Lawrence and Schiller, our leadership encourages us to take control over our professional lives. We are asked to step up and to develop our own futures here — if we see a need, find a solution and move it forward. So a few weeks ago, a few of my female colleagues met after work for drinks, dinner and conversation. In addition to the normal gossip of shoes, new restaurants or celebrity-itus, our conversations turned toward work life. How well do we know each other and how can we support each other’s careers within our agency?
An idea was formed and a peer-networking effort has started. This is a way for us with more experience to interact, support and learn from those just beginning marketing careers. On the flip side, we also want to stay connected to issues that matter for young women in today’s fast-paced environment.
This effort may have started as a way to support other female colleagues’ success within this company. But after some initial research on similar efforts in other companies, I’ve found that this type of networking creates an internal reflective process that creates additional benefits for the agency — efficiency, knowledge transfer, collaboration and overall improved communication across disciplines and teams.
Progress is everyone’s business and I’m looking forward to connecting with others in the building. If anyone has great books or topics to help get this launched – please post them here. I’d love to hear your successes in similar efforts.
Billie Jo
