5 Things / ask meaningful questions
This week, I facilitated some virtual workshops for a new client. In the workshops, I use polling to ask an anonymous question about authenticity at work. We found that roughly 2/3 of each group hide parts of themselves at work at least some of the time. This tracks with the data from Deloitte's 2014 Uncovering Talent study.
So why do so many people hold back at work?
The short answer: people hold back when they don't feel safe. They fear judgement. They fear retaliation.
And why does it matter?
It matters because we do our best work when we feel safe to be fully expressed and share our big ideas. We are more focused. We are freer. And when managers do the work to ensure employees feel this way, there's greater trust. It's absolutely priceless (although you can put a price on it).
Anyone, manager or not, can help with this by simply asking questions. Not nosey questions, but sincere, thoughtful questions to someone different from you. Be fully present and listen deeply to the answers. Then paraphrase, validate, and reconnect. It works beautifully. But it starts with the courage to ask.
Here are the good vibes I found this week:
I've admittedly written about Barbie a lot, but Mattel continues to take diversity seriously. The new Barbie Extra dolls are in a range of skin tones, body shapes, and styles. On a related note, Kim Culmone, Barbie's Global Head of Design, was recently named to the Out100 list. This matters because these diverse dolls may help kids from marginalized identities feel less alone.
The American Medical Association took a firm stance this week by declaring racism a public health crisis. In their statement, they laid out new policies and commitments (albeit vague ones...). This matters because preventable racial health disparities have meant a disproportionate percentage of Covid deaths in Black and brown communities.
GQStyle Magazine (UK) released 9 different covers in honor of its 15th anniversary. Each cover is curated by a different artist and is dedicated to honoring Black people and the Black experience, including Black trans people. This matters because these covers remind us to continue to #SayTheirNames as we address systemic racism.
And finally, there will be no 5 Things next week. Instead, I'll be watching any of the new holiday movies with LGBTQ themes. I've been waiting for this moment for 20 years! This matters because we all deserve happy endings.
Wishing you a peaceful, healthy, and joyful Thanksgiving.
Thanks for all you do to build a more inclusive world-
All the best,
Graphics by: trustedadvisor