Networking with Your Values
By Kinda Ahmed
You’ve probably heard about the importance of networking in the workplace – and for good reason. Building relationships in the office is crucial for both personal and professional development. But, how do you network in a manner that is reflective of your Islamic values?
As Muslimahs in the workplace, we understand how challenging (and sometimes awkward) it can be, to navigate and thrive in work environments that may not align with our values. So, we came up with a few tips to help you build fruitful relationships in a way that feels most authentic to our Islamic values
How to Advocate for Yourself
Feel empowered to set clear boundaries:
When social events at work occur, feel comfortable with telling your peers that you do not drink. Your colleagues will most likely respect your decision to abstain from drinking - and often times - you’ll realize you’re not the only one. If you’re in a work environment where attending team building events are strongly encouraged (and critical to your growth), start a conversation with your supervisor about how you can make these events more accommodating to other team members who also may not participate in drinking.
Suggest alternative team-building activities:
Be the change you want to see! Suggest alternative team building events that do not involve drinking or ask for there to be more non-alcoholic options. Many organizations are open to different ways of engaging their employees. If you do make suggestions, be prepared to follow through and potentially help plan the event.
Connect over coffee chats:
Another effective way to build great relationships in the workplace is to dedicate time for one-on-one chats, Set a goal of a specific number of coffee conversations you to schedule within a given amount of time to hold yourself accountable! Check back to our previous resources on how to reach out and set up a coffee chat.
Navigating Holiday Parties with Grace
With the holiday season approaching, many workplaces will host parties and events that blend work with celebration. It’s a great time to network and bond with colleagues, but these gatherings often come with the pressure to be around alcohol and social drinking. Here's how you can navigate this season:
Set Expectations Early: If you're invited to a holiday party, communicate ahead of time that you prefer to abstain from alcohol. Many colleagues will respect your decision, and the party organizers will likely offer non-alcoholic drink options if requested.
Offer Alternatives: If the event revolves around alcohol, consider suggesting a holiday gathering that focuses on food, games, or charity work. Many offices are now looking for new ways to celebrate the season that don’t center on drinking. If you're up for it, suggest organizing an event like a potluck or volunteer event that could provide an inclusive, non-alcoholic alternative.
Know Your Limits: Don’t feel pressured to stay if the environment doesn’t align with your values. It’s okay to leave early or skip certain activities. Politely thank your hosts and take pride in maintaining your boundaries while still showing up for the people you work with.
