Selena Shaefer, Siemens Power Generation, Inc.

1

• Team 9
• Selena Shaefer, Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
• Carolyn Carpenter, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
• Mary Scott, Positive Outcomes (Mentor)
• Zuzana Lorinc, Prudential Financial, Inc. (Mentor)

2

• Applied Leadership Learning Project Goal
• SpeedConnect was developed as a structured,
  time-bound networking tool. It is based on the
  speed dating concept. The purpose is
• Networking
• Developing critical business alliances
• Gaining exposure
• Building teamwork

3

• Outcome
• SpeedConnect in Action!
• Womens Resource Group at Siemens, November 7,
  2007
• Session was structured for employees to interact
  with managers of various departments and
  organizations.
• 51 total attendees, 23 of those were managers.
• Keynote speaker Mary Scott, The Power of
  Networking.
• Small groups of employees rotated in 3
  SpeedConnect rounds. Manager shared department
  information in 5 minutes. Employees had 2 minutes
  each to address the topic provided.
• WU-style personal introduction was taught to
  participants.
• One-on-one rounds with icebreaker topics were
  used to encourage connecting with new faces.
• Post event written and verbal feedback was very
  positive. Participants appreciated the
  opportunity to network and gain exposure to other
  departments, peers and managers.

4

• Key Learnings
• Networking to form business alliances is critical
  to business success.
• Networking may be informal most of the time, but
  sometimes it needs to be intentional, purposeful,
  and scheduled.
• Teamwork in setting up the event was critical to
  success. Team members must be action oriented and
  deliver early to demonstrate progress and build
  team confidence.
• Siemens session was beneficial to employees in
  demonstrating the benefits of networking and
  providing an event to make it happen.
• RJR session was done as a team building exercise
  to develop and deepen relationships in a new work
  group.
• There are numerous applications for the
  SpeedConnect concept in all aspects of our lives
  where there are groups (business, school, church,
  government, neighborhood, and family).