Our networks are usually formed around shared experiences and they influence the way we see the work, how we think and the opportunities we give and receive.So a lack of diversity inside our networks can propagate inequitable systems and create echo chambers of perspectives.

Network diversity

They usually comprise the colleagues we work with (team members or project collaborators). It may not seem like it, but we do have a lot of influence over the broader makeup of these networks.We choose the people we spend time with (at lunch or coffee), the people we mentor or the people we seek advice from. Being intentional about the diversity of that network will result in better decision making for us and our companies.

Professional networks

They have an influence over the way we think and ultimately, over our work outputs.To diversify our social networks, we can start by following and connecting with people that hold different identities and viewpoints.

Social networks 

Although having diverse networks is very important for expanding circles of influence and achieving equitable results, there is also a need for centered spaces, particularly for populations that are underrepresented or marginalized in the workplace.

Centered Spaces

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<figure><div><img src="https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/1132079855/960x0.jpg?fit=scale"></div>
<figcaption>Getty </figcaption></figure> As humans, we operate within many different networks, all of which influence our perspectives and serve different purposes in our lives. While most networks are formed around a shared experience - such as the company we work for, the city we live in, or identities that we hold - it is important to be cognizant of the networks we are part of and the diversity that is present within them. Given that our networks influence the way we think and the opportunities we give and receive, lack of diversity within these networks can propagate inequitable systems and create echo chambers of perspectives. 
There are several types of networks, and they all benefit from intentional focus on equity and diversity. 
Professional networks The baseline professional network consists of the colleagues we work with in our company. While some elements of this network might be decided at a high level - such as who is on our team, which people we collaborate with on specific projects, etc. - we have a lot of influence over the broader makeup of this network. The people that we decide to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/rebekahbastian/2019/08/26/how-mentorship-can-make-workplaces-more-equitable/">mentor or sponsor</a>, the people we spend time with over lunch or coffee chats, and the people we go to for advice or guidance all make up our professional network. Being intentional about the diversity of that network will result in better decision making for us as individuals, and more equitable outcomes within our companies. Just like <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonwingard/2019/02/21/diverse-boards-propel-successful-companies-three-strategies-to-expand-pipelines/">research shows</a> that having more diversity on a board of directors produces better results for the company, having more diversity on your " <a href="https://hbr.org/tip/2017/02/build-your-own-personal-board-of-directors">personal board of directors</a> " - a term many use to describe their professional network - will yield better career results. 
Beyond the network within a company, there are professional networks that are formed across industries, professions, regions and interest areas. These can take the form casual networks, such as meetups and LinkedIn connections, or deeper networks such as communities of focus and professional support groups. All of these networks will benefit from the perspectives and connections that come from high levels of diversity. 
Social networks Social networks often don't directly impact our careers, but the insights and ideas that we learn from these networks greatly influence the way we think, which in turn influences our work outputs. While the potential for a large social network is bigger than ever before, thanks to the <a href="https://www.oberlo.com/blog/social-media-marketing-statistics">3.2 billion social media users</a> worldwide, the potential for surrounding oneself with an echo chamber is bigger than ever too. 
It's not difficult to expand our online social networks to be more diverse, simply by following and connecting with people that hold different identities and viewpoints. While this is a great start, it shouldn't end here. Expanding our "in real life" social networks to be more diverse is incredibly important, both because it can lead to more balanced views and more fuel for new ideas, and because social connections can often lead to professional connections. 
Centered Spaces Although having diverse networks is very important for expanding circles of influence and achieving equitable results, that does not negate the need for centered spaces, particularly for populations that are underrepresented or marginalized in the workplace. Being surrounded by colleagues that do not look like you or share your identities can <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/rebekahbastian/2019/04/10/the-business-case-for-belonging/">reduce sense of belonging</a>, which can be detrimental to overall career success. That's why centered networks, such as <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/rebekahbastian/2019/02/11/how-to-foster-workplace-belonging-through-successful-employee-resource-groups/">Employee Resource Groups</a> (ERGs), can be so valuable to both the populations they serve and their allies. 
A <a href="https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/successful-networking-men-women">2019 study out of Kellogg School of Management</a> found that "about three-quarters of the highest-ranking women emailed constantly with a few other women" and that "women with both high centrality and close ties with female peers had an average job ranking 2.5 times higher than women whose networks lacked those two features." Having a strong support group and inspiration through shared identities can make a big difference in increasing representation in the workplace over time. 
Being cognizant of the networks that we are part of, and being intentional about the diversity of those networks, might take a bit of discomfort, as we reflect on ourselves and learn about others. But the benefit of expanding our views, experiences and connections is well worth the effort, both for us as individuals and for our companies. 
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It is important to be cognizant of the networks we are part of and the diversity that is present within them. Given that our networks influence the way we think and the opportunities we give and receive, lack of diversity can propagate inequitable systems and create echo chambers of perspectives.

The Importance Of Network Diversity

Network diversity

Professional networks

Social networks

Centered Spaces

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