Rob Cross and I have suggested how organization social networks can be sources of strategic success, including encouraging newcomers to create “pull” toward themselves, rather than excessively “pushing” themselves on others.
However, Rob, and his colleagues, Reb Rebele and Adam Grant, also warn of “collaborative overload” a particular risk for well-connected or “central” networkers.
Their approachability can lead to an overwhelming burden of emails, meeting requests, etc. Research suggests that up to 20% of collaborative time can be regained by sculpting and clarifying the role, shaping the narrative of patterns and rules, and altering behaviors.