Pay attention, lead, move forward
Seeing the news of big organisations abandoning their DEI programs, targets, initiatives, what-have-you, I’ve been checking in with myself about how I feel and even how I might respond. I keep going back to a conversation I had with someone with a big platform and often at the forefront of discussions about DEI, particularly in a political context. Back when the outcome of the US election was uncertain, I characterised the environment as scary for those who are queer, non-white, live with a disability, are economically disadvantaged and so on. His response was, “It’s not scary. This is the way it’s always been.” That statement stopped time for me because I knew he was right, and that conversation has stayed with me since. What we are seeing and hearing more is what often has been spoken in low tones or behind closed doors, but it’s always been there. As we see organisations make public choices to actively move away from investing in DEI, I am not surprised. Certain companies simply are revealing who they really are, who they always have been. Mostly my time has been spent thinking about the ‘now what’ relative to what I am seeing and hearing. Here is my advice based on how I have lived, how I have advised leaders, how I have worked with organisations and, most importantly, how I have coached people from communities of difference.
Pay attention
I’m reminded of a quote from Maya Angelou, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” So it goes with organisations. While withdrawing funding for DEI programs and dropping targets is a big indicator – kind of like a billboard where priorities lie – it’s up to each of us to pay attention. Notice what lies behind and underneath policies and programs and really feel what’s going on. I’ve interacted with plenty of organisations who encourage people who choose to work there to bring their whole selves to work, yet when you speak to individuals, they tell a different story. Not everyone feels safe to do that, and I have been there. DEI programs and rainbow lanyards and once-a-year black history events are potential indicators a place of work might be inclusive, but we all have an obligation to pay attention when organisations and their leaders show us who they are. We also need to believe them the first time and make our choices accordingly.
Leaders, now is your time
I have worked with hundreds of leaders over my career, and what I know for certain is that leaders who want to be inclusive, create equitable environments and understand the value of a diverse team didn’t ever need programs and targets in place. Plenty of these leaders simply led in this way and were content to be a quiet (albeit amazing) raft in a sea of mediocrity. A special few saw their role as something bigger and were the ones who used their platform to advocate for change, actively standing up and standing out to create a more human-centric, progressive and modern context for everyone. What’s really important is that I noticed this at all levels of an organisation from first-line managers to the CEO. As many organisations start to make it clear where they stand, now is the time for every leader to make a choice about where they stand.
We have been here before, but we aren’t going back
For those from communities of difference, we have been here before, but I’m convinced that we are not going back (thanks for the inspo Kamala Harris!). Anyone can see we are experiencing very real setbacks, but I also see so many continuing to work toward a future that is more equitable and inclusive at work and in life. Staying with and moving to action is important. Where you are able, do something that feels right and can have impact right where you are. To specifically support those from communities of difference, here are some tips based on my research and coaching practice:
Pay attention. This is a reiteration of the paragraph above. Notice what organisations are doing and how leaders are acting as a way to see things for what they are. When we see things as they are, then we can better respond and make choices that are right for us as individuals.
Start with you. Take the time to know what you really want, but also who you really are. Sometimes when we work in environments that may not value our authentic selves, we can start to doubt our capabilities or even our self-worth. If you are clear on your capabilities, purpose and values, then it’s easier to use those as touchstones rather than someone else’s definition of who and what you are or should be.
Define your own path. When you choose to show up as your best, authentic self, barriers can be put in your way if who you are doesn’t match what others may hold up as the norm or the ‘right’ way to be. I’ve seen it, experienced it and read the research about it. The solution can be defining your own path, following your own heart and purpose to workplaces and teams who welcome you as you are.
Build your village. We all need and deserve support, and everyone I have spoken with over the years about their experience of being different has talked about how they need and find support. While there are great ways we do this for ourselves, sometimes we aren’t as great leaning on others. However, what I know for certain is that having a village around me is critical. Even I can forget who I am and where I am going, but I have been intentional about having people around me who are exceptional at reminding me of and grounding me in my truth.
Stand up, stand out. When we notice something is not right, we all have a choice how we respond. Certainly, we can stand up and be seen. We can choose to be present and support a change for the better. When we are able, we can also choose to stand out – use our voice to speak and demand and rally and advocate. This is particularly important when there are so many who are unable to speak and be heard. We can all choose to lead however we are able.
If you are leading a modern, progression organisation or are an individual or leader from a community of difference who needs support, let me be part of your village. As a consultant and coach, this is where I shine and would love to work with you.
If you are part of my village (you know if you are!), then sending you love and appreciation. Let’s keeping going together.
If you are looking for a coach who is not me, check out these great coaches who overtly bring their difference into the coaching space to support those who want and need this - https://coachdifference.com/
