Wednesday, March 8 is International Women’s Day!
As with every day, I look forward to celebrating the amazing woman in my life and those that support, encourage, and empower them.
After a few keynote presentations today, I look forward to taking time out to celebrate the day with the most amazing two women in my life, my Mum, Denise and my sister Lyndelle.
This year I wanted to spend the afternoon with them to appreciate them. They have taught me the importance of appreciating diversity in others and have always encouraged me to stay true to who I am no matter what path I take.
I am me, no one can be me, and I have always sought to understand others and tap into their uniqueness and magic.
We all have our Gifts to share, and the more we unwrap the #GiftMindset and share the lessons that have made us who we are, the more connected and collaborative we can be.
The theme this year is #EmbraceEquity.
Equity is all about allocating an array of resources based on what each individual needs to level the playing field adequately.
I see this as a non-negotiable, and we need to embrace equity in and out of the workplace.
We need to understand others, take the time to connect and remember that no one is the same.
We all have different experiences, skills, passions, traits, and motivators, and the diversity of these factors creates our unique blueprint.
“The route to achieving equity will not be accomplished through treating everyone equally. It will be achieved by treating everyone justly according to their circumstances.”
—Paula Dressel, Race Matters Institute
Equity can give us a sense of belonging. It feels right, and when we embrace equity, we embrace diversity, and we embrace inclusion to help drive success for all.
I believe equality is the goal, and equity is the means to get there.
Through the process of equity, we can reach equality.
Leaders can play a critical role in ensuring equity in the workplace.
6 Ways leaders can promote equity in the workplace:
1. Lead by example
Leaders should model inclusive behaviours and be committed to creating a culture of equity and inclusion. They should set clear expectations for their team and hold themselves and others accountable for equitable behaviours. This needs to be reviewed ongoing as team dynamics change.
A great team conversation to have:
What does the team expect of you?
What do you expect of the team?
What does each individual expect of themselves and each other?
2. Create a Gift Mindset Culture
When we create regular forums for individuals to identify and share their gifts (lessons) learnt from challenges, mistakes and successes, we gain a deeper, more connected understanding of each other. Our lessons could be a survival guide for someone else. Sharing our experiences and the strategies that got us through opens the portal to real collaboration, appreciation of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
3. Foster open communication
Leaders should encourage open communication and create a safe environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. This includes actively seeking out diverse perspectives and feedback from employees. Coaching 1:1 is also a great way to truly connect and understand others.
4. Address implicit bias
Leaders should educate themselves and their teams on implicit bias and work to address it. This can include providing training on unconscious bias, reviewing hiring and promotion practices, and creating awareness of how biases can affect decision-making.
5. Give access to professional development opportunities
I believe we should be providing professional development opportunities to all employees, including those from underrepresented groups. This can include mentorship, coaching, leadership training, and skills development programs.
6. Monitor and measure progress
Every organisation should regularly review data on workforce demographics, pay equity, and employee satisfaction to identify any areas where there may be gaps in opportunities and resources. This information can assist in making informed decisions and taking appropriate action to address any issues.
By implementing these strategies, leaders can promote equity and create a more inclusive workplace culture.
What practices, behaviours and conversations have you implemented to forge equity in your organisation?
Lead to be Limitless
We are taking in-house program bookings
Through The Gift Mindset Culture Program, a culture where we adopt the Gift Mindset is created within the workplace and will take leadership, connection, and collaboration to the next level.
We have also launched 2023 PUBLIC programs for like and unlike-minded leaders and executives to learn, grow and connect outside their organisations.