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GOT ITIn sport, the locker room isn’t just where you lace up your shoes, it’s where trust is built, strategies are shared, and lifelong connections are made. The same principles that make athletes strong teammates can help you become a powerful networker in your career after sport.
Here’s how to bring that locker-room mindset into the workplace.
In sport, you don’t wait until game day to build trust with your teammates, you work on it every day in practice, during travel, and in the quiet moments in between. Networking works the same way.
Start building authentic relationships when you have no agenda. Attend events, connect on platforms like LinkedIn, and engage with others’ work. Over time, these small touches create a network that’s strong, reliable, and ready when opportunity calls.
The best athletes don’t just talk, they listen. In a locker room, listening helps you understand the play, the mood of the team, and how to support others.
In networking, active listening is key. Ask open-ended questions, remember details about people’s careers, and follow up on past conversations. This shows that you’re invested in the person, not just in what they can offer you.
In sport, every victory is shared, from the star scorer to the bench players and coaching staff. Networking is about that same generosity. Celebrate others’ successes publicly, introduce people who could benefit from knowing each other, and pass along opportunities that aren’t right for you but might be perfect for someone else.
When you help others win, they’ll remember your generosity and be more inclined to return the favour.
Teammates count on each other to show up: at practices, games, and team events. In your career, consistency builds trust too. Follow through on promises, check in with contacts regularly, and keep your online presence active.
Consistency signals reliability, and reliability is one of the most valuable traits in a professional network.
Bottom Line:
Your athletic career taught you that success is never a solo effort. Networking is the same. It’s about building relationships, showing up for others, and creating a circle of trust that opens doors. Take what you learned in the locker room and apply it to the boardroom, and you’ll find your network can be just as powerful as your team.