I am a black woman leader and with each of those descriptors I deal with challenges in the workplace. Quite frankly its EXHAUSTING to be all three. A couple of weeks ago at the Junior League of Atlanta Women’s Leadership Forum, I attended a session tackling transforming culture. The panelists shared insight on working as a collective unit to identify if a culture needs to evolve, they shared tactics on how we can empower others to use his/her voice and we discussed solutions to promote an environment of exchange and inclusion. Again, I am a black woman leader and this discussion was definitely timely. Six takeaways + steps that I took immediately when I returned to the office:
Do You Know Your Values?
It can be challenging to find your voice if you don’t know what you stand for. People will focus on what you are saying and not what you are doing if you are not consistent. Therefore your actions should support your values and align with how you plan to transform the culture in your office. Step 1: take a minute to think about what really matters to you. Figure out your values so that you are prepared to use your voice.
Courage Is Not A Spectator Sport
WOW! Now this one was right on time. Courage is my word this year and I am focused on being more intentional when I have courageous conversations. The panelists encouraged the audience to decide to actually speak up, even if you are the only one speaking. How can you expect to be transformative if you are quietly working away and not using your voice? Step 2: Don’t back down! Stick with it and also stand up for what you believe in.
Facilitate A Safe Space For Conversations
We should all do our part to create a space where people feel safe to express who they are. Here’s a tip: suggest to your team, department or organization that anyone has the right to say PAUSE if they feel like a conversation is taking a turn and could potentially become offensive. Once you hear PAUSE everyone knows that they should actually “pause” take a step back and maybe even end the conversation. Step 3: Be mindful that you may be the person that is creating the awkward situations. Be the one that creates the safe space and think of ways that you can encourage others to do the same.
Transformation Starts With: I Like, I Wish, I Wonder
Open the door for understanding. Well, that seems easy! Basically, listen to people when they tell you what they like, what they wish and what they wonder. Listen, don’t JUDGE. Step 4: Seriously, don’t judge. If you feel like judgement is creeping into the conversation. Stop, refocus and continue to listen. Listen actively!
You Have A Bias
Now, ACKNOWLEDGE it! Check your agenda at the door. Be ok with working on it and continue to become better. Unconscious bias are social stereotypes about certain groups of people who individuals form outside their unconscious awareness. Unconscious bias is especially more predominant than conscious prejudice. Step 5: Keep an open mind. Don’t stereotype. Allow people the opportunity to tell you who they are and what they are about.
Maintain Credibility
Be trustworthy. Be the person that people can believe in. Most of all, bring your authentic self to work each and every day. Step 6: Is comparison getting in the way of who you are? Are people constantly suggesting that you make modifications that are not in your best interest? Keep it MOVING. Continue to be and do YOU!
We spend a considerable amount of time in the workplace, involved in a nonprofit organization or both. Why in the world would we want to be environments that don’t allow us to be courageous, to have a voice and to thrive. Invest in yourself, grow as a leader, be a part of transformative culture change and find your BALANCE.
This post is part two of a four part series detailing my key learnings from the Women’s Leadership Forum. I will be sharing one post a week in the month of March in celebration of Women’s History Month. Click here to read part one and come back next week for part three.