5 Things / transcending difference
This week, I read a post on LinkedIn that really resonated with me and perfectly expressed how I’ve been feeling after the U.S. election.
Natalie J. Hallinger, PhD, a behavioral scientist, wrote: “You don't achieve deep or lasting #behaviorchange through shame and ridicule…. The way to successfully convince someone/anyone to listen, respect, care about, agree with, behave like you necessarily includes making that person feel listened to, cared about, and respected, first.”
Yet those conversations can be hard. Incredibly hard. Brene’ Brown would say that those conversations require us to “brave the wilderness.” It requires a bit of bravery to deeply connect with (and attempt to convince someone) who is different than us. (Storytelling helps.)
The rewards for these conversations are rich and can truly bring teams together. If you’re interested in holding facilitated storytelling conversations around transcending difference, please reply and I’ll tell you more about how Dr. Laura Quiros from my team can help (she’s amazing).
Here are the good vibes I found this week:
UPS made a sweeping overhaul of its employee dress code, now allowing afros, braids, beards, and piercings. I didn't realize the old policy was so strict! This matters because it allows for greater employee self-expression, which is better for retention.
All CBS reality shows in the future are now required to have at least 50% BIPOC participants. This affects shows like Survivor and Love Island. The network also committed 25% of its budget to BIPOC creators. This matters because media should represent the demographics of society.
Kim Ng became the first female General Manager in baseball this week when she was hired to lead the Miami Marlins. She's also likely the first female GM in any men's professional league in North America. What a breakthrough and inspiration! This matters because she's setting precedents and opening doors for women to come.
Colorado voters approved paid family leave, ensuring residents can receive paid leave if they need to take care of a sick loved one or new child, or recover from an illness. Workers could receive up to 90% of their weekly pay. This matters because many people have to choose between pay and caregiving responsibilities, and this law creates greater equity.
The Oxford English Dictionary updated its definition of the word “woman” and "man" to be more inclusive. The previous definition for the word “woman” included “a man’s wife, girlfriend, or female lover”, implying that a woman could only be these things in relation to a man. The new definition is much more expansive. This matters because words matter, and inclusive language sets precedent for inclusive behavior.
Finally, yesterday began Transgender Awareness Week, and this coming Wednesday at 1pm ET, I'm hosting an informal fireside chat with our new Senior Consultant, Patti Flynn, a proud transgender woman. You can register here. Hope to see you there.
Thanks for all you do to build a more inclusive world-
All the best,
Image by: socialconnectedness.org