The Power of Peership: Why Women Who Build Strong Relationships With Their Peers Advance Faster Than Those Who Only Focus Up

As women, we're often told to focus on our individual success and ambition. We're encouraged to be the best version of ourselves, to climb the corporate ladder, and to achieve our goals through sheer determination and hard work. But what if I told you that this approach is not only limiting but also downright outdated? What if I said that building strong relationships with your peers can actually give you a significant edge in your career?

According to a study by Leanin.org, women who have close friends at work are 50% more likely to get promoted than those without such connections. But what does this mean exactly? It means that having a network of supportive and like-minded colleagues is not just nice to have – it's essential for advancement.

But why is this the case? Why do relationships with our peers matter so much when it comes to career success?

One reason is that we're social creatures. We crave connection, community, and belonging. And when we feel like we belong, we're more likely to take risks, share ideas, and collaborate with others. In a work environment, this means that having strong relationships with our peers can give us access to valuable connections, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.

Another reason is that our peers have insight into the inner workings of our industry. They understand the politics, the trends, and the challenges that we face every day. And when we build relationships with them, they're more likely to be willing to share their knowledge, offer advice, or even introduce us to key players in the industry.

But here's the thing: having strong relationships with our peers is not just about getting ahead – it's also about staying ahead of the game. When we surround ourselves with people who are intelligent, ambitious, and like-minded, we're more likely to challenge each other, push boundaries, and innovate. This means that our careers are less likely to stagnate and more likely to evolve.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: "But how do I build these relationships? What if I'm introverted or not really 'people people'?" The answer is simple: start small. Begin by attending industry events, joining professional organizations, or volunteering for causes that align with your values. These are all great ways to meet like-minded individuals who share your passions and interests.

But here's the thing: building relationships takes time, effort, and vulnerability. It means putting ourselves out there, being open and honest, and taking risks. And yes, it can be scary – especially if we're not used to it. But trust me, the payoff is worth it.

So what does this mean for you? What kind of relationship do you need to build with your peers in order to advance faster than those who only focus up?

First, let's talk about building a support system. This means finding individuals who share your values, interests, and goals. It means having people who will lift you up, encourage you, and challenge you to be your best self.

Next, let's talk about building a network of connections. This means identifying key players in your industry and forming relationships with them. It means being willing to introduce yourself, offer advice, or even collaborate on projects.

Finally, let's talk about building a community. This means finding individuals who share your passions and interests and creating a space for them to come together. It means hosting events, starting groups, or even just having regular check-ins with like-minded individuals.

Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Building strong relationships with our peers takes time, effort, and vulnerability.
• We're social creatures who crave connection, community, and belonging.
• Having a network of supportive and like-minded colleagues is essential for advancement.
• Our peers have insight into the inner workings of our industry and can offer valuable advice and connections.

So what's the bottom line? Building strong relationships with our peers can give us a significant edge in our career. It means having access to valuable connections, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. And it means staying ahead of the game by challenging ourselves and pushing boundaries.

So don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Don't be afraid to take risks and be vulnerable. Because when we build relationships with our peers, we're not just advancing in our careers – we're advancing as women.