Michael Dulworth
President and CEO

Much of the success I have enjoyed as an entrepreneur, author, business owner, and more, I owe to networking.

There is almost nothing I cannot accomplish better, more efficiently, or more effectively by using my networks than "going it alone."

I wrote The Connect Effect to help people create, sustain, and leverage their networks to achieve higher levels of personal success and satisfaction. I am convinced that in the future networks will be even more important, and more global than they are today.

I hope that you enjoy this brief introduction to The Connect Effect, will want to learn more, and will harness the power of networks in your own careers and in those you teach and mentor.

Michael Dulworth has been running executive networks for over 20 years. He is currently the President and CEO of Executive Networks, Inc. (www.executivenetworks.com), a leader in peer-to-peer networks for human resources and learning & development professionals in large organizations.

Mike is the author or co-author of six books on executive development, learning and high performance organizations including Corporate Learning: Proven and Practical Guidelines for Building a Sustainable Learning Strategy (Pfeiffer, 2005).

Prior to leading Executive Networks, Inc., Mike was vice president of learning services at the Concours Group and was founder and CEO of Learning Technologies Group, Inc.

He can be reached at: mdulworth@executivenetworks.com.

The purpose of the Learning Alert is to share best practices that help learners accelerate learning transfer to improve their personal and business results.

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The Connect Effect

Michael Dulworth
President and CEO
Executive Networks, Inc.

I define the "Connect Effect" as the positive outcomes you experience by investing in building, maintaining, and expanding your network.

The benefits of the Connect Effect are many and include:

• Personal satisfaction
• Career guidance
• Door opening
• Problem solving and feedback
• Learning and expertise
• Changing the world

What's Your NQ?

Much has been written about how both intellect (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) are needed for executive success. I believe there is a third, critical, and often-overlooked component: NQ, your networking quotient.

So the true formula for success is actually:

Success = IQ x EQ x NQ

because a strong NQ allows you to leverage both your intellect and your people skills.

According to a recent article in MIT’s Sloan Management Review: “What really distinguishes high performers from the rest of the pack is their ability to maintain and leverage their networks.”

What defines your NQ?

There are three key elements:

• Your network's scope (breadth/diversity);
• Your network's strength (quality of members); and
• How active you are in building and maintaining it.

Networking and Learning

The good news is that you can improve your NQ. Indeed, it's the best and fastest way to improve your overall chances for success.

I think networking skills should be part of every leadership development program. They are vital and everyone can improve their NQ.

We should also design programs to support and encourage Communities of Practice. As business becomes increasingly complex and global, more and more learning will depend on these communities.

They create a secure, open environment that helps accelerate learning and development. The community becomes a safe harbor for participants to freely discuss issues and challenges with others who have a similar domain interest.

Ideas Into Action

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