Characteristics of successful knowledge networkers

In an analysis of high-performing knowledge workers, Keeley and Caplan identified nine recurring characteristics:

1. Initiative taking – they will act beyond the defined scope of their job.
2. Good net workers – they will directly tap into the knowledge and expertise of their co-workers.
3. Self-management – they have good control over their use of time, making and meeting commitments and career development.
4. Effective team workers – they coordinate their activities with coworkers and assume joint responsibility for the outcomes
5. Demonstrate leadership – they formulate and state common goals and work to achieve consensus and commitment to them.
6. Supportive followers – they support their leaders in achieving their goals through taking the initiative, rather than waiting for specific instructions.
7. Broad perspective – they see their work in its wider context and take on board the perspectives of other stakeholders.
8. Show-and-tell – they present ideas persuasively.
9. Organization savvy – they are aware of organizational ‘politics’ and negotiate their way around to promote co-operation and get things done.