To give their fullest contribution, employees must feel they can bring their full selves to work; however research shows many do not feel comfortable doing so. This means that they are spending valuable energy every day minimizing or managing aspects of their own diversity—of identity, background, experience—in order to succeed.
This takes a particular toll on diverse talent—women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities—at a time when organizations are struggling to recruit, retain, and develop those same individuals. But all of us, and the business, pay the price.
How can we build more inclusive workplace environments where all kinds of talent feel welcome?
When we activate as aspiring allies and inclusive leaders, our commitment deepens, we begin to get more comfortable being uncomfortable, and we stretch ourselves by being more proactive and public with our voice and actions. Finding and activating your authentic voice and telling your story in a way that empowers and generates buy-in, also inspires people around and beneath you and is a powerful way to role model being an authentic inclusive leader and ally.
We need all voices and identities to participate in building a more equitable and inclusive future, and sharing your own diversity story makes it safer for others to do the same.
Takeaways:
Consider the shifting definitions of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace today
Revisit the “Iceberg Model” as a conceptual framework to understand where we set our waterline, and what we can do to lower it in the spirit of actionable allyship
Discover the importance of excavating your own authentic story, how to begin, and why it matters
Identify the roles, responsibilities, and ongoing learning journey for allies, and specific actions you can take next