September 7, 2020
Article
Harvard Business Review Digital Articles

Remote Networking as a Person of Color

By: Laura Morgan Roberts and Anthony J. Mayo

Format:Electronic

Abstract

In remote work situations, where people cannot rely on impromptu elevator conversations or water cooler chats with coworkers, the answer isn’t to turn inward. In fact, the need for networking is even more important. In particular, our interactions with people whose backgrounds and perspectives differ from our own helps us to become smarter, more creative, and better equipped to solve difficult problems. But networking may be more challenging for people of color, who may not only experience general discomfort, but also face unique challenges from not being perceived as powerful, credible, or resourceful. They also at higher risk of becoming isolated, struggling to navigate the racial boundaries at social events. The good news is that the types of networking activities people of color report preferring may be more common during the pandemic, including less expensive virtual events, community volunteering, and social media interactions.