Ever felt like a fraud while networking? That pit-in-stomach "I'm being so fake right now" feeling? New research by Park, Bailey & Kuwabara (2024) gives us a fascinating framework: networking authenticity depends on your mindset.
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But here's where I challenge the researchers: workplace culture often enforces ONE "correct" networking style—usually privileging neurotypical, upper-class, and majority culture communication patterns.
This "one right way" thinking creates impossible standards for:
Working-class folks raised with communal interaction styles
Neurodivergent people navigating social complexity
Those navigating racial, gender, and cultural differences
My advice? Flip the script. Ask genuine questions. Get others talking. Your "job" isn't performing—it's connecting authentically, YOUR way. When an interaction feels awkward (they will!), don't spiral. Reflect on what happened. Each person is different—that's why the "right way" myth is so damaging.
Your most powerful professional act might be refusing to network "correctly" and instead connecting authentically, honoring your background and neurology.
What's your networking reality? Drop your experiences below!
#Networking #Neurodiversity #WorkingClass #AuthenticWork
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Having natural social "talent"
Transactional interactions
Effortless connections that just "click"
No wonder it feels fake when you're trying to force these!
As learning about others
Accommodating mutual needs
Building relationships that require effort
This approach feels more authentic to most people.
Working-class folks raised with communal interaction styles
Neurodivergent people navigating social complexity
Those navigating racial, gender, and cultural differences
What's your networking reality? Drop your experiences below!
#Networking #Neurodiversity #WorkingClass #AuthenticWork