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How can you navigate sensitive topics in professional networking?

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Professional networking is a valuable way to expand your connections, learn new skills, and advance your career. However, it can also be challenging to avoid or handle sensitive topics that might arise in conversations with people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and opinions. How can you navigate these topics without compromising your professional image, relationships, and goals? Here are some tips to help you.

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Kiri Paterson

Connecting you with great people, processes, hardware and software
Viorel St?nescu, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist | Global HR Business Partner at TMF Group

1 Know your audience

Before you engage in a networking conversation, do some research on the person or group you are talking to. Find out their interests, values, and goals, and tailor your communication accordingly. Avoid topics that might be controversial, offensive, or irrelevant to them, such as politics, religion, personal issues, or gossip. Instead, focus on topics that are relevant, respectful, and positive, such as industry trends, professional challenges, or common hobbies.

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2 Listen actively

One of the key skills of interpersonal communication is active listening. This means paying attention to what the other person is saying, showing interest and empathy, and asking open-ended questions to clarify and encourage further discussion. Active listening can help you avoid misunderstandings, build rapport, and show respect. It can also help you identify and avoid potential triggers or pitfalls that might lead to sensitive topics.

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3 Be respectful

Even if you disagree with someone or encounter a sensitive topic, you can still be respectful and professional. Avoid making assumptions, judgments, or personal attacks, and acknowledge the other person's point of view. Use neutral and polite language, and avoid sarcasm, humor, or irony that might be misinterpreted or offensive. If the topic is too uncomfortable or inappropriate, you can politely change the subject or end the conversation.

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Viorel St?nescu, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist | Global HR Business Partner at TMF Group
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Empathy can be a good place to start. By showing the other that you are actively trying to understand their perspective and context, you are validating and respecting who they are. We humans have a deep an inherent need of self-actualization, and going the above creats a safe space for communication.

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4 Set boundaries

Sometimes, you might encounter someone who insists on bringing up sensitive topics or expressing views that are incompatible with yours or your organization's values. In these situations, you need to set clear and firm boundaries to protect yourself and your reputation. You can do this by stating your position, explaining why you prefer not to discuss the topic, and redirecting the conversation to a more suitable topic. If the person persists or becomes hostile, you can excuse yourself and walk away.

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Kiri Paterson

Connecting you with great people, processes, hardware and software
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Never forget that it is perfectly OK to walk away from not just the conversation but the relationship in general if you feel like continuing to associate with that person will only cause you stress and potential reputational damage by associating with someone who does not respect your boundaries.

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5 Reflect and learn

After each networking conversation, take some time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Think about how you handled sensitive topics, how you felt, and how the other person reacted. Identify what you learned from the experience, and how you can apply it to future conversations. You can also seek feedback from others who were present or involved, and ask for their suggestions and advice.

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6 Keep in touch

One of the goals of professional networking is to build and maintain long-term relationships with people who can support your career development and growth. Therefore, it is important to keep in touch with your contacts and follow up on any promises or commitments you made during the conversation. You can do this by sending a thank-you note, sharing useful information or resources, or inviting them to another event or opportunity. By doing so, you can show your appreciation, interest, and professionalism, and avoid any awkwardness or resentment that might result from sensitive topics.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Viorel St?nescu, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist | Global HR Business Partner at TMF Group
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An additional step could be to bring a third party who is much more familiar with the social circle or the topic at hand - It could be someone tangential to the group, or a specialist.

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How can you navigate sensitive topics in professional networking?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your audience

2 Listen actively

3 Be respectful

4 Set boundaries

5 Reflect and learn

6 Keep in touch

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Communication

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How can you navigate sensitive topics in professional networking?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your audience

2 Listen actively

3 Be respectful

4 Set boundaries

5 Reflect and learn

6 Keep in touch

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Communication

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