Frank Fessenden, Executive Director of Corporate Relations, discusses the art of small talk in this CSE Connect Original blog post.
As a student at Brandeis International Business School, you’re constantly honing your skills in finance, strategy, and leadership. But there’s one often-overlooked skill that could significantly impact your career trajectory: the art of small talk.
In a recent article on LinkedIn, Professor Andy Molinsky, Professor of International Management and Organizational Behavior in the Brandeis International Business School, sheds light on the hidden power of these seemingly trivial conversations. Let’s explore why mastering small talk is essential for your professional success, especially in the context of U.S. business culture.
Breaking the Ice and Building Connections
Small talk serves as a gateway to deeper, more meaningful relationships. While it might feel superficial at first, these brief exchanges can lead to valuable professional connections. As Professor Molinsky points out, “These interactions are often gateways… the key is pushing past the initial discomfort to find genuine points of connection.”
For business students, this skill is particularly valuable. In U.S. business culture, where networking plays a vital role, your ability to engage in small talk can set the tone for future interactions at networking events, internships, or meetings with potential employers.
Bridging the Personal-Professional Divide
One of the challenges of small talk is navigating the line between personal and professional topics. Professor Molinsky addresses this, stating, “Small talk often blurs the lines between personal and professional, which can feel jarring. But remember, showing your human side can actually strengthen professional relationships.”
As future global business leaders, your ability to connect on a personal level while maintaining professionalism is crucial. It humanizes you in the eyes of colleagues, superiors, and clients, fostering trust and rapport – an important aspect of U.S. business relationships.
Investing in Relationships
In the fast-paced business world, it’s easy to view small talk as a waste of time. However, Professor Molinsky offers a different perspective: “Those few minutes of chitchat before a meeting can set the tone for more effective collaboration. It’s not wasted time; it’s relationship investment.”
For business school students, this insight is golden. The relationships you build now – with classmates, professors, guest speakers, and industry professionals – can significantly impact your career. Those moments of small talk are opportunities to lay the groundwork for future collaborations, mentorships, and job opportunities.
Developing Your Small Talk Skills
Like any business skill, small talk can be learned and improved upon. Professor Molinsky emphasizes, “Many of my clients struggle with knowing what to say or how to exit conversations gracefully. The good news? These are learnable skills.”
As you progress through your program, make a conscious effort to practice small talk. The CSE offers a “Small Talk Challenge” event, providing a safe environment to hone these skills. Additionally, your Career Coach can work with you one-on-one to develop effective strategies for engaging in small talk, tailored to your individual needs and cultural background.
Authenticity in Small Talk
One common concern about small talk is that it feels inauthentic. Professor Molinsky addresses this, suggesting, “Find ways to steer small talk towards topics you genuinely care about. Your enthusiasm will naturally shine through.”
As international business students, you have a wealth of interesting topics at your disposal – from global business trends to your diverse cultural experiences. Use your genuine interests to fuel engaging conversations and bridge cultural gaps.
Conclusion
Small talk is more than just idle chatter; it’s a powerful tool for building relationships, fostering collaboration, and advancing your career, especially in the U.S. business environment. By embracing and improving your small talk skills during your time at the International Business School, you’re setting yourself up for long-term professional success in a global context.
Remember, as Professor Molinsky concludes, “Becoming comfortable with small talk isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about expanding your professional toolkit.” So, the next time you find yourself in a small talk situation, see it as an opportunity to shine and connect, rather than a hurdle to overcome.
