This post was originally published by Corinne Klajda, Managing Partner Accord Group Polska / AltoPartners Poland, on the Accord Group website. To view the original post, click here.
“During my time working with [insert high-profile CEO here],” starts the candidate for the third time in ten minutes. What begins as an impressive credential quickly spirals into a litany of names, positions and connections. Until it becomes clear they’re more interested in who they know than what they can bring to the table.
Networking is a powerful tool, but when overdone, it can backfire. Leaders who lean too heavily on name-dropping often come across as insecure or lacking substance.
Name-dropping without substance can undermine credibility.
Focus on sharing value-driven stories, rather than listing connections.
The best networkers use their relationships to build bridges, not pedestals.