We know a strong network is important, and good professional relationships are critical for career building. But all too often, it’s easy for us to network just with people like ourselves. In fact, surrounding yourself with people who are different is especially critical.
You’ll benefit from all kinds of diversity in your network, from race or ethnicity to gender. But also think about diversity in terms of generation, neurodiversity, educational background, or profession. Ultimately, the biggest advantages arise from having access to people who think differently from you, based on their backgrounds and experiences.
Here are three ways a diverse network can benefit you.
1. HAPPINESS AND CONNECTION
Some of the primary outcomes of a more diverse network are happiness, well-being, and life satisfaction. In particular, when people had more variety in their relationships, they reported greater well-being, according to a global meta-analysis of four studies across more than 50,000 people published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This well-being was characterized by a sense of satisfaction with life, happiness, and positive emotions.
A study of almost 25,000 people published in Psychological Science found that when people’s networks are a mix of those who are similar to themselves with those who are different, they experience the best levels of happiness and well-being.
2. LEARNING AND STIMULATION
Another benefit of diversity is that it forces us to stretch ourselves and learn. Our natural inclination is toward homophily, which means we’re attracted to people who look like us, sound like us, and/or think like us. But when we seek out people who have different points of view, expertise, and opinions, it’s a significant opportunity for learning.
In fact, when teams are more diverse, they learn more from each other, coordinate their work, and perform better as well, according to research published in Organization Science.
And when you’re seeking new information and you expose yourself to new perspectives, it can help you solve problems, ask important questions, and suggest continuous improvements in your work. Critical thinking and judgment, along with a growth mindset, are among the primary characteristics that will set you apart for career growth, advancement (or promotion!), according to Drexel University research.
3. CREATIVITY AND DECISION MAKING
Diversity in your network can also help you with creativity and decision-making. A study published in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes found that when teams were more diverse, team members experienced greater creativity and improved decision-making.
People with different points of view can help us see things differently and challenge our assumptions. This too is helpful in your career. When you’re able to bring innovative ideas and when you’re able to analyze, assess, and discern the best approach, you’ll be tremendously valuable to a current or future employer.
CREATING DIVERSITY IN YOUR NETWORK
To create more diversity in your network, consider joining groups or clubs that push you out of your comfort zone. If you’re already a member of an association or group with members who are similar to you, branch out. Get involved and seek to learn about areas that are less familiar to you.
You can also invite people into your groups. Ask the team member you don’t know well to join you for lunch or include a coworker in a coffee chat so you can get to know people who may offer new points of view or experiences.
Once you’re at an event outside your comfort zone or have invited someone new to join your group, be engaged. Ask plenty of questions. Inquire about others’ opinions and ideas. Also question yourself, challenging your own beliefs and opinions so you can expand your viewpoint.
Diversity in your network can help you feel a sense of belonging and embeddedness in community. Feeling connected based on similarities feels good, but when you feel that sense of connection in spite of differences, or even because of them, it can feel even better. We appreciate it when others accept us for who we are, especially when they embrace our differences.
Expanding your perspectives and your networks requires intention and energy, but the advantages for your happiness, your well-being, and your career will be significant.