KARL SMITH: Networking lessons from President Barack Obama

by Karl Smith

I am a self-confessed Obama fan and have just finished reading the book “From Promise to Power”. Today, one has to search hard for the kind of leadership and the human relations qualities the President displays. I studied the aforementioned and other books, as well as the Obama character according to the world of Google, extensively during the past few months. Specific attention was paid to his relationship building and personal branding skills and I want to present some of my findings as follows:

In my opinion the journey to the White House via networking started with the optimistic vision instilled by his mother – that, our essence, all humans are connected by compassion and generosity of people. What is your vision? Do you have a networking strategy to underpin and realise your vision?

People come from diverse backgrounds. One cannot label people just because they are of the same race. Treat people as individuals and not as groups. See the best in people, rather than the worst. Do you give people an opportunity to earn your trust?

There is power in hope. Human beings need “hope” so give it to them in an honest and sincere manner. Whether you are an entrepreneur, consultant, sales professional or a manager you must understand that the hope we give people today, gives them reason to face the challenges of tomorrow. Are you able to give people hope in interacting with them?

Self-awareness is key to self-growth and you must understand your purpose. One of Obama’s greatest strengths is the ability to take time to reflect and to control his emotions. He lived a monastic existence in Manhattan to read and reflect. Are you reflecting on what you read or hear? Are you asking the question: “How does it impact on me?” Are you principle-driven as a result of your reflection?

Surround yourself with others to make you a better person. When Obama went to college on the mainland, he did not see his future in basket ball like his peers. He ensured that he mixed his sport with intellectual discussions by networking with deep-thinking peers and professors. What kind of people do you have in your network? You cannot hang out with the turkeys if you want to fly with the eagles. We become like those we hang out with most of the time.

Put yourself in the shoes of others. Obama transferred from Occidental College to Columbia University in New York City to find a “community” of blacks. You cannot speak for me, sell to me or communicate with me, if you don’t truly understand me. Have you developed this vital networking skill?

Well, there it is. These are some of my observations and I will continue with this topic in a series of articles. What do you think of these observations AND what, if anything, would you add ? I'd love to hear from you.


Karl Smith speaks to hundreds of people each year. He is South Africa’s Business Networking and Referral Coach. He is the of owner Business Networking South Africa. Visit http://www.businessnetworkingsouthafrica.co.za/ to see Karl in action, see what Karl’s clients says, book Karl to speak or to do in-company training, attend a public event, subscribe to his newsletter, to use the free networking resources or to buy his book “Beyond The Business Handshake: Dare To Build High-Trust Business Relationships”


For more information, please visit Karl's TNNW Bio.

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KARL SMITH: Networking lessons from President Barack Obama

SOUTH AFRICA: Seek First to Understand

By Karl Smith
South Africa Bureau Chief

It is generally agreed that the way we see things through the eyes of our minds has a significant impact on our own success. This picture is also referred to as our frame of reference, our paradigm…a perception of reality through which we integrate, evaluate, and interpret new persons, events and ideas… I have worked with thousands of people in my career and I was often frustrated by the many change management and teamwork interventions we embarked upon because it was a decision made by the top executives. None of these intervention experts even considered our current frame of reference relating to change, teamwork and other issues. They failed to invest time to see where we come from, our frame of reference. If everyone could live by this principle to always attempt to understand one’s frame of reference, which perspective we come from when we speak or do something, then it will be must more happier or productive place.

When we employed our first Xhosa speaking staff member at one of the many companies where I worked, some of my staff were up in arms, because in their minds he had no planning skills for the many school related projects for which he was responsible. It was only when I told them that he hails from a community where you provide for unexpected guests because of their culture to be hospitable when they showed empathy for his challenge. Through my facilitation to always understand where people come from I have build a formidable team who achieved success beyond expectations. Today, that staff member is a Chief Executive Officer and I have many other similar success stories. You foster better business relationships if you understand where people where they come from. It is a skill so needed in business today from employee to the boardroom, to connecting with people and to dealing with difficult people. The ability to show “empathy”, to put yourself in the shoes of others, to exchange places is a vital skill in building business relationships. “Seek first to understand” requires deep paradigm shift. We typically seek first to be understood. Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to answer.

I am a keen reader and I frequent coffee shops with a book in the hand. One day, I overheard the manager shouting at a waiter for accepting and paying for an order without having the delivery note signed. The poor waiter cringed and he tried to explain that the manager was not there when the delivery arrived and that he just wanted to help! In my mind the manager should have listened and understand that somewhere along his short life this young waiter was taught to be helpful in the absence of a manager. He should then have empowered the waiter by explaining the procedures and then give him a second change. What a benefit to the waiter and the manager! You see networking skills benefit people wherever they have interaction with others.

Extract from Karl’s book entitled, “Beyond The Business Handshake - Dare To Build High- Trust Business Relationships. Karl is the owner of Business Networking South Africa, a division of ExecuEdge Consulting- a successful consulting and business relationships training company.

Visit www.businessnetworkingsouthafrica.co.za to see Karl in action, see what Karl’s clients says, book Karl to speak or to do in-company training, attend a public event, subscribe to his newsletter or to use the free networking resources or him at karl@businessnetworkingsouthafrica.co.za

For more, check out Karl's TNNW Bio.

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SOUTH AFRICA: Seek First to Understand