Steve Winwood: 'Networking is rubbish; have friends instead.'

Networking is rubbish; have friends instead.

In the modern world, it seems that networking has become an unavoidable part of professional life. Whether it's attending conferences, joining LinkedIn groups, or even just maintaining an active social media presence, the pressure to connect with others for career advancement can feel overwhelming. However, English musician Steve Winwood challenges this conventional wisdom with his quote, "Networking is rubbish; have friends instead." At first glance, Winwood's statement may appear puzzling and counterintuitive, but upon closer examination, it reveals a deeper truth about the nature of relationships and the importance of genuine connections.Essentially, Winwood emphasizes the value of cultivating meaningful friendships rather than treating relationships solely as stepping stones to gain professional advantages. While networking often carries a transactional connotation, where individuals seek to leverage contacts for personal gain, having genuine friendships can offer a more fulfilling and lasting source of support, encouragement, and personal growth. True friends are individuals who are there for us unconditionally, providing emotional support, sharing joys and sorrows, and offering guidance in times of need. In contrast, networking can often feel impersonal and surface-level, driven by self-interest rather than a genuine desire to form deep connections.However, to fully comprehend the implications of Winwood's quote, we can introduce a philosophical concept that adds an unexpected layer of complexity to the discussion. Aristotle's theory of friendship categorizes three different types of relationships, which can shed light on the distinction between networking and genuine friendship. According to Aristotle, friendships can be based on utility, pleasure, or virtue.Friendships based on utility are typically transactional in nature, where individuals come together for mutual benefit. This can be likened to networking since the primary motivation for connecting is to obtain some advantage, such as sharing resources or gaining access to new opportunities. While these relationships can be valuable in certain contexts, they often lack the depth and lasting emotional connection that true friendship entails.On the other hand, friendships based on pleasure revolve around shared interests, activities, or hobbies. This type of friendship is driven by the enjoyment and fun derived from spending time together. While networking events might initially appear to foster these types of relationships, the pleasure derived is often fleeting and surface-level. The focus is on the event or occasion rather than forging deeper bonds.Finally, true friendships, according to Aristotle, are those based on virtue. These friendships are characterized by a shared sense of values, mutual understanding, and a genuine concern for the other person's wellbeing. Such friendships prioritize the development of the individuals involved, encouraging personal growth and fostering trust and authenticity. These qualities are precisely what Winwood suggests when he advocates for having friends instead of simply networking.In essence, what Winwood's quote implies is that building genuine friendships should be the goal, not just creating a network of professional connections. While networking can have its advantages for career development, it often lacks the depth and emotional support that friendships can provide. Cultivating meaningful relationships based on shared values, authenticity, and a genuine desire for personal growth can enrich our lives and bring us a sense of fulfillment that networking alone cannot.So, instead of constantly seeking to expand our network for career gains, it would be wise to invest time and effort in nurturing genuine friendships. These relationships can enhance our personal and professional lives, providing support, guidance, and a sense of belonging that no amount of networking can replicate. As Winwood suggests, let us shift our focus from networking as a means to an end and prioritize the development of deep and lasting connections with friends who will be there for us through thick and thin.