On the importance of networking

We discussed a few posts back the importance of networking and playing the "political game" at your job.
I would however like to amend those blog entries with an additional thought: you need to understand that if you do NOT play the game, this doesn't simply mean you're outside of the political arena and therefore you are going to miss opportunities, it also means that your IMAGE is going to suffer greatly.
Your image is actually going to be impacted negatively by the fact you are not playing the game. People who are in power and people who play the game will label you as somebody who is not outgoing, who is not social, who is withdrawn and introverted...

And that is far from being the traits of a high potential, a manager or a leader.

PS: don't get me wrong, this doesn't mean you need to transform yourself into something you are not. If you are naturally introverted, people know it and it's no big deal (tons of great leaders are introverts. Bill Gates anyone?). However even a little shift in attitude and behavior will be noticed and will go a long way. It's a little effort that will pay great dividends.