Respondr Book Review: Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader by Herminia Ibarra

Key Networking Lessons for Paramedics

In Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader, Herminia Ibarra challenges traditional approaches to leadership and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of taking action and experimenting with new behaviors to expand your capabilities. A significant focus of the book is on the value of building and leveraging a diverse professional network to unlock opportunities and achieve meaningful career goals. For paramedics, who often prioritize technical skills over strategic relationships, Ibarra’s insights offer a fresh perspective on the importance of networking as a tool for career advancement and professional development.

✅ Key Takeaways for Paramedics: Strengthening Your Professional Network

1. Expand Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Ibarra emphasizes that one of the biggest pitfalls in networking is relying solely on your existing circle of contacts. While peers and immediate colleagues are essential, they often share the same perspectives and challenges. To grow professionally, paramedics need to step outside their usual environment and connect with people from different disciplines, industries, or levels of expertise.

• Action for Paramedics: Attend industry events, workshops, or community health initiatives where you can meet professionals from various backgrounds, such as healthcare administrators, educators, or researchers. These connections can offer new perspectives and introduce you to opportunities you may not have considered.

2. Cultivate a “Diverse Portfolio” of Connections

According to Ibarra, a strong professional network isn’t just about quantity—it’s about diversity. A diverse network includes people who can provide different types of support: mentors for guidance, peers for accountability, specialists for skill-building, and advocates who can champion your career goals.

• Action for Paramedics: Review your current network and identify gaps. Do you have a mentor who can help you navigate your career path? Are you connected to leaders in specialized areas of paramedicine, such as community health or research? Make a conscious effort to cultivate relationships with individuals who can complement your existing network.

3. Adopt a “Do First, Think Later” Approach to Networking

Ibarra encourages readers to take a proactive approach to networking by experimenting and taking action before feeling fully ready. Waiting for the “perfect time” to network often results in missed opportunities. Instead, paramedics should actively seek out opportunities to engage with others, even if it feels outside their comfort zone.

• Action for Paramedics: Volunteer for new projects, join professional organizations like Paramedics Australasia, or participate in interdisciplinary teams within your organization. These actions will naturally expand your network and open doors to future possibilities.

4. Balance Operational and Strategic Networking

Ibarra highlights the difference between operational and strategic networking:

• Operational Networking: Building relationships that help you perform your current role effectively (e.g., connections with team members or immediate supervisors).
• Strategic Networking: Establishing relationships that position you for future growth, such as connecting with industry leaders or professionals in specialized fields.

Both types are essential, but strategic networking is often overlooked in high-pressure professions like paramedicine.

• Action for Paramedics: Dedicate time to both operational and strategic networking. For example, while maintaining strong relationships with your immediate team, also connect with mentors, thought leaders, and professionals in emerging areas of paramedicine to position yourself for future opportunities.

5. Make Networking a Habit, Not an Event

One of Ibarra’s key insights is that networking should be an ongoing process rather than a one-off activity. Building meaningful relationships takes time and requires consistent effort. By regularly engaging with your network, you ensure that relationships remain active and mutually beneficial.

• Action for Paramedics: Set aside time each month to check in with your network. This could involve sending a quick message to a mentor, attending a professional event, or simply sharing an interesting article with a colleague. Small, consistent actions build trust and keep your network strong.

✅ Why This Book Matters for Paramedics

Paramedics often focus heavily on technical expertise and immediate tasks, which can limit their ability to plan for long-term career growth. Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader reframes networking as a strategic tool that enables paramedics to:

• Discover new career pathways and opportunities.
• Build relationships that support professional growth and resilience.
• Gain insights and perspectives that enhance both clinical and leadership skills.

Networking isn’t just about finding your next job; it’s about creating a support system that helps you navigate the challenges of paramedicine while positioning yourself for future success.

✅ After Thoughts

Herminia Ibarra’s Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader is a valuable resource for paramedics looking to expand their professional networks and think strategically about career planning. By stepping outside your comfort zone, cultivating diverse connections, and balancing operational and strategic networking, you can create opportunities for growth and build a resilient, fulfilling career in paramedicine. This book serves as both an inspiration and a practical guide for taking your career to the next level—starting with the relationships you build today.

You can access Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader by Herminia Ibarra via print, digital or audio format. Hit the link below to head to his webpage with more content available.