In today’s flat and fluid organizations, building an effective internal network is crucial for success. Extensive research has shown that the networks of informal relationships that managers forge in the workplace influence key aspects of their performance — how fast they learn, how creative they are, whether or not they’re staffed on high-visibility projects, and how much influence they garner within the organization. It also affects more tangible aspects of their job, such as their compensation, year-end bonuses, and career advancement.