The Power of Network Seminar

From "Why Do I Have to Do This?" to "I Wonder Who I'll Meet"

Because the best networkers, are usually the best listeners.

Are You in the Mood?

…to network, that is.

When you enter a room full of new people, do you come in holding resentment or resignation? Or do you come with curiosity and wonder?

“The Power of Networks” seminar, organized by Naumann Academy of Politics at the Dead Sea in Jordan, unpacked not only the logical and strategic reasons for building networks, but also the very human aspects that shape the relationships we create within them.

Many of us understand why networks matter for civil society organizations. They provide the social capital needed to access information, influence, and funding. Yet, if you are an introvert like me, you might often envy the ease with which more outgoing people navigate a crowded room full of strangers.

It turns out there is hope for us quiet, reserved types.

Expertly facilitated by Rainer Heufers and Clinton du Preez, and enriched by insightful conversations with experts such as Prof. Noah Askin, author of Orchestrating Connection, and Aseel Sha’ban of the Swedish Dialogue Institute MENA, the seminar flipped the usual script. We were shown that real networking is not about leading with a verbal readout of your LinkedIn profile (nor do cliché LinkedIn posts about what a wrong coffee order taught us about “disruption” make particularly good grounds for connection).

Instead, true networking is an exercise in emotional awareness and authentic, human-to-human connection.

Your Mood, Your Mindset

One of the biggest mind-openers for me was the concept of the “Moods of Life.” When entering a networking space, we may unknowingly carry the baggage that life has handed us. This can manifest in moods such as resentment (“Why do I have to do this?”) or anxiety (“What if I make a fool of myself?”).

These moods can naturally prompt us to disengage, avoid, or withdraw. But when we find ways to intentionally shift our internal posture towards moods like ambition (“Things can be different”) or wonder (“I’m curious to see who I’ll meet”), something changes. Networking stops feeling awkward and unnatural and starts to feel more like an exercise in curiosity and genuine connection with another human being.

Don’t drink your own bath water

As leaders in civil society organisations or liberal movements, we often fall into the trap of staying comfortable among like-minded peers who confirm what we already believe — or, as Prof. Askin vividly described it, “drinking your own bath water” (ew).

The real breakthrough ideas and impact happen when we venture beyond the familiar edges of our networks. Our “weak ties” — distant acquaintances or unexpected connections across sectors — can actually be some of our greatest sources of innovation and fresh perspectives. They connect us to entirely new ecosystems, opening the door to diverse insights, relationships, and opportunities.

Thankfully for us introverts, building social capital does not require dominating the room. It relies on vulnerability, active listening, and curiosity. By being present and asking meaningful questions, quiet leaders can build deep trust without having to be the loudest voice in the room. Reflecting on my own experiences, I realise that the best conversationalists tend to ask the most interesting questions — and, most importantly, they simply listen.

Leading in Your Network

Networking is not a cumbersome task that accompanies our “real work.” Building and nurturing intentional relationships is the work. But leading effectively within a network also means entering spaces with a spirit of generosity. We can find ways to offer value before asking for it, create psychological safety that allows others to be vulnerable and human, and remain genuinely curious about the people we meet.

So, the next time you find yourself in a room full of strangers, perhaps ask yourself: what mood am I bringing here?

And to my fellow FNF alumni: Gummersbach may be closed, but the relationships we created there continue to live on across the world. How fitting, then, that the power of networks has become more important than ever — especially as we work to keep global liberalism connected, resilient, and alive.

*Anthea Haryoko is Chief Operating Officer at the Center for Indonesian Policy Studies in Jakarta, Indonesia.