Networking Opportunities - ”Get in where you fit in”

  • Published
  • By Maj. Earl Williams III
  • Commander, 436th Maintenance Operations Squadron
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  When my wife Torette and I first arrived last April, we were excited to be here and received a very warm welcome embrace from Team Dover. As part of my taking command, we're privileged to "meet and greet" with so many senior leaders and key players throughout the installation and local community. As a commander, it is expected that you network, or "get to know" who's who, across the installation before you "need them" so you handle what we do day in and day out - that is solve problems.

In any day and age, it is great to know the face behind a friendly voice over the phone, a jovial written email exchange, or even more importantly, a face to face business, process or service; all of which can occur with members in and outside your work space. You might ask, "what can this do for me?" Let me share in the possibilities.

Networking and social networking can be defined in two ways. In general terms, networking is defined as "a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest." Fast forward to today's social networking term and the definition morphs a bit to "Internet- or mobile-device-based social spaces designed to facilitate communication, collaboration and content sharing across networks of contacts. "

Most of us have had a question or a concern we needed addressed, and could never get it resolved in a timely manner. But I stand firmly to agree that there are ways to shorten the time and distance you need to reach across the installation to help you.

We all know and appreciate the Chiefs' Group, and First Sergeants' and Top-3 Council. All of these organizations generally meet on a recurring basis, (weekly, monthly) and it is through these types of venues we can ask questions and find resources when you need them. Additionally, they discuss and share cross-tell on what the installation as well as the local community is doing, and addresses concerns on how to improve.

There are other network opportunities on some installations as well. The 5/6 Council, tailored for our staff sergeants and technical sergeants to have a venue dedicated to sharing and exchanging ideas, processes, and challenges. The Airmen's council is also a perfect starting point for new Airmen and those not sure what the installation has to offer.

My fellow officers know and appreciate what the Company Grade Officers' Council provides: mentoring, cross-tell and exchange of ideas, concerns, and resolved issues. All of these particular organizations can either "be friended" on Facebook, or located and tracked on the Enterprise Information Management (EIM) Site. And if it's not active, make it so. Well, start looking for your networking opportunity, become involved with your base and local community, and as Torette and I say, "Get in where you fit in!"