Open Educational Resources | Pao Yue-kong Library, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Others

How to Network

Networking is, as its name implies, work. And like any job, networking takes skills.
That's right: there’s more to the networking hustle than showing up at an event and hitting the bar. (It takes more than inviting someone to meet for a cup of coffee, too.) Networking has its own skillset, one that you have to work to hone. But luckily, you can get good at networking. Here's a guide on how to network—from how to view this often-dreaded activity to what to say and how to keep the conversation going.

Keywords:: Job hunting Career development Interpersonal relations Business networks Social networks
Resource Type:: Others

Others

How to have better, deeper conversations

You’re sitting down for dinner with an old friend to catch up. You’re in the middle of sharing an anecdote when their phone dings. Their eyes shift to the screen, and they slide their device into their lap to send a reply.
Most of us have been on both sides of this scenario, and while it may seem harmless, these kinds of distractions during our everyday interactions can make people feel unheard or unimportant, fragment our attention, and hurt our relationships. On the other hand, research shows that active listening — putting your full focus on your conversational partner to truly understand their message — can help us anticipate problems, resolve conflicts, expand our knowledge and build trust.
Like any skill, active listening can be practiced and cultivated. Here are three key ways to become a better listener.