Shifting Networking from ‘Cringe’ to Connection: Insights from Shub Faujdar’s LinkedIn Post

In a recent LinkedIn post, Shub Faujdar discusses a common professional challenge: the often uncomfortable nature of networking. Faujdar highlights how a transactional approach can lead to what many perceive as ‘cringeworthy’ interactions, but shares a powerful reframe inspired by a conversation with Saurabh Mandal, a Senior Director of Global Raw Materials.

Faujdar introduces the core of the issue, noting that the negative perception of networking often stems from a self-serving agenda.

“Most people find networking cringeworthy. Because they walk into every conversation carrying a transactional agenda, they can feel it, and so can the other person.”

According to Faujdar, this performative mindset hinders genuine connection and effective relationship-building. The key to overcoming this, as shared by Saurabh Mandal during a session for Faujdar’s Career Growth Circle community, lies in adopting a ‘learner’s mindset’.

The Power of a Learner’s Mindset in Networking

Faujdar elaborates on Mandal’s perspective, emphasizing a fundamental shift in intent. Instead of focusing on personal gain or impressing others, the goal becomes understanding the other person’s world and identifying opportunities to add value. This transition from ‘performing’ to ‘learning’ is presented as a transformative step.

As Faujdar explains the reframe:

“Instead of walking in thinking: how do I impress this person so I can get something out of this? He walks in thinking: what is this person seeing in their world right now? What are they navigating in their value chain? How are they integrating new tools? And how can I add something to them?”

This shift, Faujdar argues, not only changes the quality of conversations but also alters the individual’s emotional experience of networking, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

From Rejection to Relationship: Saurabh Mandal’s Approach

To illustrate the impact of this reframe, Faujdar recounts a story about Saurabh Mandal’s experience applying for a role at Target. While many might view a non-fit as a definitive rejection, Mandal took a different approach. Instead of moving on, he proactively reached out to the Talent Acquisition team to express his interest in learning more about the company and connecting with its leaders.

This initiative, driven by curiosity and a desire to learn, led to further conversations and relationship development. Faujdar highlights this as a pivotal moment:

“That curiosity led to more conversations, which led to more relationships, which eventually led to his opportunity.”

Faujdar presents this narrative as a testament to the effectiveness of approaching networking with a genuine interest in others and a willingness to contribute, rather than solely focusing on what can be gained.

Reframing the Networking Conversation

Faujdar encourages job seekers and professionals to adopt this perspective. By moving away from the pressure of ‘getting something’ and towards a genuine interest in understanding others and their professional landscapes, the performative aspect of networking diminishes significantly. This, in turn, can open doors to unexpected opportunities and foster more meaningful professional relationships.

In conclusion, Shub Faujdar’s LinkedIn post offers a valuable perspective on transforming networking from a dreaded task into a constructive and rewarding activity. The insights shared by Saurabh Mandal underscore the power of shifting intent from transactional gain to genuine learning and contribution.