Proactive Leadership and the Role of Information: Identifying Strategic Networks of Information

Abstract

[Excerpt] Networking is supposed to be essential to successful leaders. But what is the importance of networking conceptually? Typically it is thought to be the ability to remain in and sustain contact with people as information and opportunity sources. Strangely few leaders actually understand the concept. Otherwise they would position themselves to receive other forms and channels of information and opportunities. People are only one form of this vital leadership resource. What are the others? And if they can be identified, how would one go about developing expanded networks of information and sources?