When Do You Feel Included?
Recently, I had a conversation with young woman from the United Kingdom. She asked me about the stickers I use for my Network Beyond Bias program. The stickers look like name tags. They say “Hello! I feel included when…” Usually toward the end of my programs, I prompt the audience to ask one another, “How […]
How do you measure “inclusive culture”?
It’s back-to-school time in Indiana, which means new teachers, new classes, and new classmates. Every year, I worry whether my kids will have friends in their classes, whether their teachers will recognize their unique talents, and whether the administrators support a truly inclusive learning environment. Is being an employee really any different? As our organizations […]
Stop Wasting Time as a Leader
As a leader, you may find yourself strapped for time, especially when you are juggling clients, team members and the constant flow of work that comes in any leadership position. Learning to manage your time more efficiently, then, is a very valuable lesson for you to learn as a leader. With that in mind, here […]
Status Quo: How Male Allies Can Effect Change
I happened to be visiting a city recently where I had family and a couple of meetings. Between engagements, I stopped for some lunch and sat outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. While I was sitting on a bench in a surprisingly not-so-clean park, a gust of wind lifted up my napkin. As it danced […]
Is Your Company Leaving Talent on the Table?
Half of your LGBTQ employees are still in the closet at work. (Source: Human Rights Campaign) Why should you care? Employees need to bring their full selves to work if they are to contribute at the highest levels. Perhaps you’ve already created Resource Groups or a Diversity Council to provide a sense of community and safety […]
To Be a Leader, Be an Ally
Do You Aspire to Be a Leader? If you aspire to be a leader, you’re not alone. So many corporate employees aspire to leadership roles in their organizations. They seek out high-profile projects, promotions, and executive sponsors. To really stand out in a company, though, you need to stand for something other than your own […]
Transparency, Authenticity, and Vulnerability: Storytelling for Leaders
Transparency, authenticity, and vulnerability are tools anyone can use to create stronger relationships. For leaders who seek to be more inclusive, authentic storytelling can accelerate trust and shape culture within your organization. Transparency derives from an attitude of servant leadership. Authenticity demands a great deal of self-awareness. And vulnerability requires incredible courage and self-confidence. If […]
Inclusive Networking: 3 Ways to Say “You’re Welcome”
Identifying missing perspectives in your network is relatively easy. And finding people who can fill those gaps isn’t terribly difficult. But how do you attract people who differ from you? How do you make yourself the light in the room to which they are drawn? In this article, I propose three pillars of inclusive networking […]
Employee Resource Groups: What You Need to Know
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are typically designed to help employees connect with one another. There are many other benefits for companies and employees.
Constructive Feedback in Four Simple Steps
Many people view giving constructive feedback as an odious task. Those who revel in it … well, who wants to work with those people? There is a happy middle: the caring and genuine coach who really wants to see others put their best foot forward. So, you know, be that guy by learning and practicing […]