Alison Fragale, an organizational behavior professor and author of "Likeable Badass," joins Natasha Wood, head of strategy at FT Live, to discuss authentic networking. They reveal how strategic socializing can transform awkward encounters into meaningful connections. Natasha shares her inspiring experience of reconnecting with colleagues through a relay race after maternity leave. The conversation emphasizes authenticity, shared experiences, and leveraging extracurricular activities to enhance professional relationships, moving away from superficial networking.
Authenticity can enhance networking by pursuing genuine interests while strategically fostering connections, as demonstrated by Natasha Wood's running experience.
Understanding the relationship between status and power is crucial for effective networking, as respect often facilitates access to resources in professional settings.
Deep dives
The Synergy of Authenticity and Strategy
Authenticity and strategy can coexist and complement each other in professional networking. Individuals can pursue their genuine interests, such as sports or hobbies, while also being strategic about building connections. This approach allows for natural interactions that enhance personal and professional relationships without appearing disingenuous. For instance, Natasha Wood utilized her passion for running to rebuild her professional network after maternity leave, illustrating how authentic interests can be leveraged strategically.
The Importance of Status and Power
Status and power are interconnected concepts that significantly impact professional interactions. Status refers to the respect and regard others have for an individual, while power relates to the resources one controls. Achieving status can facilitate access to power, making it easier for individuals to navigate workplace dynamics. The podcast emphasizes that those who lack status may find it challenging to effectively wield power, as respect and resource control are closely linked.
Building Relationships Through Shared Interests
Engaging in shared interests, such as sports, can foster genuine connections among colleagues, transcending traditional workplace hierarchies. These informal settings allow for authentic interactions where work status becomes irrelevant, promoting egalitarian relationships. Conversations during activities can uncover similarities and build rapport, making it easier to foster a supportive professional network. The podcast highlights that through these shared experiences, opportunities for collaboration and mutual support can arise, benefiting individual careers over time.
The idea of networking makes many of us shudder. But connecting with colleagues doesn’t have to mean cold emails and awkward encounters. Alison Fragale tells host Isabel Berwick how ‘strategic socialising’ can help us make genuinely helpful connections at work. They’re joined by Natasha Wood, head of strategy at the FT’s events business, FT Live. Natasha explains how joining colleagues in an ekiden — or long-distance relay race — helped her boost her professional status after coming back from maternity leave.
Presented by Isabel Berwick, produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, mixed by Simon Panayi. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s head of audio.