How Purposeful Networking Drives Team Success

As a manager, you already know that your job isn’t just about task lists, timelines, and KPIs; it’s about people. It’s about fostering a team that collaborates effectively, overcomes challenges together, and consistently delivers results. But beyond just managing people, what if one of your most powerful leadership tools was your ability to build and nurture relationships, both within your team and across your wider professional network?

In a recent conversation, David Homan, founder and CEO of Orchestrated Connecting and co-author of the upcoming book Orchestrating Connection, unpacked what it really means to build purposeful, authentic relationships and how these connections are a true superpower in the workplace.

The Size of Your Network Doesn’t Matter

David starts by challenging the traditional notion of networking. It's not about how many people you can add on LinkedIn or how many business cards you’ve collected. The people who truly shape your professional journey, the ones you call when something goes wrong or when you need help are the ones who matter. Those kinds of relationships don’t form by accident. They require intentionality, vulnerability, and, most importantly, a willingness to be known for who you truly are.

Intentionality is Everything

Managers often fall into the trap of networking only when it's needed: a project’s in crisis, a role needs filling, or an idea needs a champion. But David urges a shift in perspective. Building community, what he calls a “purposeful network,” is something you cultivate long before you need it.

This kind of network isn’t passive. It’s built on shared values, mutual support, and long-term investment. In other words, it's not about what people can do for you right now. It's about who they are, what they care about, and how your lives might intersect with purpose.

For managers, this means thinking beyond your immediate team. Who else in the organization shares your passion or has common interests? How can you bring those people into your sphere, and how can you show up for them, too?

Purposeful Networking Starts with Self-Work

The foundation of a purposeful connection begins with understanding yourself. As David puts it, “You have to be passionate about something, and you have to be unafraid to share it.”

Being vulnerable about your interests and values, whether it’s music, leadership philosophies, or even Dungeons & Dragons (yes, that’s one of mine!), creates unexpected opportunities for connection. And in the workplace, this authenticity builds trust, which is the cornerstone of effective leadership.

David advises us to be your “aspirational self.” Lead not just with your authority, but with curiosity and humility. Let your passions and principles be visible. When you do, your team will feel empowered to do the same, and the quality of your relationships will deepen.

Connections Drive Opportunities

Building relationships with colleagues across departments, staying in touch with alumni from your workplace, or professionals in your industry can expand your influence and open doors for everyone. Consider how often a resume gets moved to the top of a pile simply because of a phone call. How many times have new clients been signed because of a referral?

 “We live in a world where your reputation drives your opportunities,” David explains. “And reputation is built through relationships.”

To do this, relationships within the workplace should be nurtured just as intentionally as those outside of it. As a manager, you're in a unique position to create a team culture that is more than functional, it can be truly connected. 

This starts with showing genuine interest in your team as people, not just as workers. It means understanding what motivates them, recognizing when they need support, and advocating for them when opportunities arise. 

In fact, advocating for others is one of the few things we cannot do for ourselves. It’s powerful when a manager recommends a team member for a new project team or defends a decision made by a colleague. 

Relationship Health Matters

Building strong relationships doesn’t mean accepting anything and everything. As David emphasizes, part of being a great connector and manager is knowing when someone’s actions don't align with the values of your team or community.

In other words, intentional relationships include clear boundaries. As a manager, this means being explicit about what behaviors are acceptable, holding people accountable, and being willing to have tough conversations when someone isn’t meeting expectations.

David’s framework is clear: people get second chances, but trust is earned through action. That same principle applies at work; teams function best when everyone upholds the standards and culture you’re working to build.

Your People Are More Than Themselves

Ultimately, David challenges managers to rethink their roles. You’re not just the person making decisions or assigning tasks; you are a community builder. And that community, when built with intention, can be a powerful engine for growth, innovation, and resilience.

When you invest in authentic relationships within your team, across your organization, and beyond, you don’t just increase your influence. You create a ripple effect. Not only do you foster a culture where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to do their best work, but you open a whole new world of access.

When you role model how to leverage your network to support your team, you demonstrate that your network is part of you. For example, when something goes bump in a project, you know who to reach out to in marketing to smooth things over. When an idea gets floated, you know who to call outside of work to do some initial investigation. Your team members have relationships that can be accessed as well, for the right reasons. Don’t be afraid to value and celebrate the person who knows who to connect with when needed.  

Invest in Purposeful Networking

So what can you do today to activate this manager superpower?

1. Reflect on your current connections. Who do you turn to in a crisis? Who lifts you up? Who are you lifting up?

2. Get vulnerable. Share something meaningful about yourself with a colleague. You might be surprised who resonates.

3. Reach out intentionally. Set aside time each week to connect with someone in your broader network, without an agenda.

4. Model trust and gratitude. Give your team the grace to be human. Say thank you often. Celebrate effort as much as outcomes.

5. Set clear expectations. Be kind and firm about the culture and values of your team and everyone in your life, and hold yourself to those same standards.

Being a manager is hard work. But when you lead through connection, it doesn’t just get easier, it gets a whole lot more meaningful.

Listen to the entire episode HERE to learn more about how to build strong connections and a purposeful network.

Keep up with David Homan

• Pre-order your copy of David’s book, Orchestrating Connection here

• Learn more about the Orchestrated Connecting network here

Participate in a Modern Manager Exclusive Orchestrated Connecting Virtual Event

Join me and other members of the Modern Manager community to experience first hand the power of an intentional community. David will facilitate a virtual session that will strengthen the connections amongst members and foster new relationships that can benefit us all.

To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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