Stereotypes in Networks

Networking can be described by the expression, "It's not what you know, it's WHO you know." Not all attendees approach a network meeting with relationship-building as their goal.

Here are a six stereotypical personalities that can seek to leverage relationships instead of building them. We want you to be aware of them and plan to navigate through a meeting with one (or all) of these distractions. And who knows... you may even find yourself fitting into one of these categories!

The Salesman has a very impressive image and is GREAT at connecting. The salesman is fantastic at building rapport and listening. Evangelism comes easy for this individual, but so does selling stuff. LITERALLY! The one-time sellers can get annoying, but a multi-level marketing person can drive people from a network. Take this person to the side and gently encourage your "salesman" to avoid selling to the people in the network. Let's face it, just getting multiple church leaders together can be awkward enough without a bad business transaction muddying the mix.

Salesmen are valuable because they build community naturally. Encourage them to focus on solely selling Jesus and connecting the group together.

The Promoter shows up to your network just before their event. Not everyone who comes the first time with a flier is a promoter; some people use their event to introduce themselves. Spotting the promoter is easy; they are poor listeners who are bored out of their minds until they get the chance to talk about their event. After the event has passed, they are frustrated that the turnout was small. Many former promoters have been to "a few networks and don't really see the need for networking."

Your network needs a promoter. A promoter needs a designated place where fliers can be displayed. A good promoter has the capacity to become a resource center for every event in the community. The collaborative strategic events of the network must be clearly defined so the promoter can differentiate between purposeful involvement and peripheral events.

The Comparer talks about numbers, big events, and big budgets. They want you to know that they may be a bigger deal than anyone thinks. They let you know this with their slightly-cooler-than-you persona. The tone of their claims drips with false humility. A lack of confidence causes them to "need" to have the best performance, the hottest spouse, and the skinniest jeans.

Comparers are driven by numbers, so help them see the immeasurable needs within your community. Show them that the competition is against time, not other ministries. Help them see other ministries as strategic affiliates, not inferior organizations. The network coordinator needs to help steer the comparison from a ministry-ministry mindset to a ministry-mission perspective.

The Theologian is the person I like to call the enforcer. You can tell when you've fired upon their theological castle! The awkwardness grows; the statement is retracted or defended, but the awkwardness remains. Do your best to emphasize that variety is what makes a network so amazing. Let people know throughout the meeting that each person is different and unique. You get to see the body of Christ working in a very dynamic way! If trust has already been established, let them respectfully share their perspectives, but FINISH your meeting FOCUSED on JESUS!

Theologians are very strategic in their thinking. Lean in to their sense of purpose and structure. They bring depth to the planning of your meetings, but be cautious that they don't over-structure things, causing your network gathering to feel like another board meeting!

The Historian is the person who has been in ministry for a number of years. Many times they tell stories to help gain some street cred with the younger youth workers. History is very helpful because it gives you insight into your community, but a Historian can seriously hamper momentum when they have lost hope for the future. Include the Historian in praying that they have a role in another God-sized movement.

Connections and relationships can be the greatest strength of the Historian. Cast a vision that they can throw their renewed passion into.

The Train-wreck is a person who has been independent and strong. They've never attended a network meeting before, but something has recently happened to rock their ministry. Love them, hear them, and pray for them. Seriously, stop the meeting and just PRAY for them. Not as a diversionary tactic, not to shut them up, but because you hurt for them. You never know; your network may be the only support system that actively prays for the Train-wreck.

Many times the most awesome networkers are the ones who have hit rock-bottom in solo ministry, yet have recovered to continue serving the Savior in community.

If you are running a network, you may default to one of these personalities, so BE GRACIOUS to all of these people. In 1 Corinthians 6:11, Paul calls us to humility with this simple statement, "And such were some of you." You might think the context in that verse has to do with "bigger sins" than taking over a network meeting for selfish reasons. Paul was talking to all believers who had been cleaned up, straightened out, and matured through Christ. Some people have no idea how to build unselfish friendships, so it shouldn't surprise us when they bring their dysfunctional relational habits into ministry networks.

Let's inspire others to see the benefits of relationship as we lead by example. Lovingly recognize these traits; address them graciously and humbly; coach for the good of each individual; pursue the unity and beauty of the body of Christ. Because apart from Jesus, we can ALL be bad networkers.