ALUMNI

The Power of Networks: How to Build and Use Them

I participated in the seminar "The Power of Networks: How to Build and Use Them" organized by the International Academy for Leadership (IAF) in Gummersbach from June 23 to 30. Having attended previous events by the Naumann Foundation, I had high expectations, and this seminar exceeded them.

The seminar was structured to promote interaction, practical learning, and personal development. The program balanced lectures, group activities, and moments of self-reflection, focusing on basic topics, networking as a personal skill, and a strategic tool. The facilitators were Rainer Heufers and Marike Groenwald, along with guest experts. There were 22 participants from various parts of the world, and this diversity was crucial for the transformative experience.

Networking is not just about achieving personal goals but also about promoting mutual support among groups and organizations, increasing efficiency and effectiveness. In the political context, it is essential for connecting with supporters and voters.

The session on "Values in Networks" was impactful, highlighting that values are beliefs that aim to be activated, relate to desirable goals, transcend specific actions and situations, and serve as standards or criteria. The theory of values identifies ten basic values recognized in almost all cultures. Understanding these values helps align networking with personal and organizational principles.

Practical sessions taught us to define clear objectives, prospect, and connect with potential partners. We developed the “Personal Networking Plan” to apply our learnings in our professional activities.

We had an inspiring lecture with Khadija El Morabit, president of the International Network of Liberal Women. She shared her journey as an entrepreneur and active participant in politics in Morocco, and how her learning and growth at the national level have impacted many women worldwide on an international level.

In the session on "How much does Personality Matter?" the importance of self-awareness of personality and communication style for networking success was highlighted. As an extroverted person, I knew this brings an initial advantage, but introverts can also be excellent networkers, as they tend to observe and understand others. We discussed the theory that categorizes personalities into four colors (red, yellow, blue, and green), representing different behavioral traits. Knowing one's profile and how to communicate with people of different profiles is crucial.

The relationship between personality and the art of conversation was emphasized as an essential component for effective networking. For these conversations to be truly fruitful, a set of skills involving verbal and non-verbal communication is necessary. Mindfulness and active listening are essential, as well as the art of asking questions that stimulate curiosity and reflection. Empathy and clarity are the pillars that sustain productive dialogue, allowing ideas to develop naturally.

We had a session with Noah Askin, a professor at the University of California, who highlighted the importance of psychological safety in teams and explained network structures such as "closure" and "brokerage." Noah emphasized that reputations are built and destroyed in closed networks, but it is in weak connections where there is more innovation and control of information. Additionally, he stressed the importance of building long-term ties, offering value first, and not being afraid to ask for help, using quick favors and the norm of reciprocity. Social capital is a powerful tool for achieving goals, especially when lacking formal authority.

Visiting Düsseldorf

On Wednesday, we had a chat with Lorenz Deutsch, Director of the Theodor Heuss Academy and District President of the FDP. We learned about municipal politics in Germany and the importance of connecting with people. In the afternoon, we visited the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia and talked with Franziska Müller-Rech, a member of parliament for the FDP, about political networking and its impact.

Using Artificial Intelligence

The workshop on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create personal value propositions and elevator pitches was enriching. We learned to craft effective pitches to highlight our skills and experiences, essential at conferences and events. Digital tools help to quickly and effectively capture the listener's attention.

In the workshop, we understood that a personal value proposition summarizes our unique skills, qualities, and experiences. It is crucial to highlight the target audience, unique selling points, offered benefits, and proofs of past achievements. This differentiates us from the competition and increases clarity and confidence in professional interactions.

The IAF seminar was a transformative experience. Networking, when done with purpose and strategy, can significantly enhance personal and professional growth. Each moment was an opportunity for learning and development.

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to participate in this seminar. I am thankful for the friends I made and the knowledge I gained. Now, I will apply everything I learned in my professional day-to-day, using the techniques and insights to reach new heights of success. Respecting the process of connecting with others, having empathy, showing vulnerability, and asking good questions are essential characteristics for success in networking.

Thank you to everyone involved for making this event so special and enriching.