Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.: A Catalyst For Change (And Greater Well-Being!)

 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a visionary who was way ahead of his time.

His passion for achieving freedom, equality, justice, and love has positively touched the lives of millions worldwide, long after he was taken from us. We are eternally grateful for his vision, his leadership, and his courage in the face of so much opposition to the fundamental human rights of millions.

Luckily, his spirit burns as brightly today, as it did on the day he died. 

If we look into the heart of what he was striving to achieve through his peaceful actions, it was a call for economic equality for all people and the demand for gainful employment for all. Inside of that lies the fundamental desire for a greater sense of peace, well-being, and belonging. 

To be seen, heard, respected, and valued as a human being regardless of any perceived differences.

The events of last year helped us see even more how deeply discrimination runs throughout so many facets of everyday life here in the United States. As we move into this new year, we have the opportunity to continue the good works of Dr. King in bigger, bolder ways. To widen the circle of inclusion so that no one is left out or left behind. I believe that knowledge is power. The more these injustices are revealed for all to see, the more we can consciously heal them together. 

The road to achieving equity is a long and winding one and there are still many things that we as a society need to heal and learn from as we move ahead. Here are 3 steps along that path to widen the circle of inclusion in your organization. To help bridge the divide of inequity and foster a culture that supports greater diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being, which enhances their success – both personally and professionally.

Celebrate, Value & Encourage

When you take time to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate the unique talents of your team members, it creates a powerful ripple effect that enhances the culture of inclusion in your organization.  

Our cultural and social identities (e.g. nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, health status) form an integral part of whom we see ourselves to be. So even small acts of recognition of these unique identities help to boost an employee’s self-esteem and self-concept and promotes a greater work/life balance and well-being. This in turn supports career achievements and progression and encourages positive social behaviors while also helping to reduce discrimination, prejudice, harassment.

10X The Confidence, Creativity and Innovation of Your Team

Did you know that employees on inclusive teams are…

• 19x more likely to be very satisfied with their job satisfaction
• 9x more likely to innovate
• 7x less likely to have personally experienced harassment in the past year
• 5x more likely to provide excellent customer service
• 4x more likely to stay with their current employer 
• 2x more likely to receive regular career development opportunities

Psychological theorists have long emphasized the importance of positive human social connections for health, well-being, and survival. So, by cultivating greater community and inclusion in your organization, it helps create a deeper sense of psychological safety which in turn fuels increased confidence, creativity and innovation. 

Connection Is Key

Inclusion in the workplace helps foster greater connection and a sense of belonging. As humans, we are hardwired to be in a community with others. By increasing that sense of belonging and acceptance, as part of something greater than ourselves, it releases a specific happy chemical in your brain (Oxytocin) which makes you feel good, enhancing your mood and mental clarity. All of which leads to an enhanced sense of social well-being, decreased stress, and increased performance.

Additionally, it increases the likelihood of asking for help or offering help to colleagues. This emotional support from co-workers helps to lower stress levels and bolsters well-being in the workplace. And studies have shown that when we are helping others, it also releases our happy chemicals of Oxytocin, Dopamine, GABA, and Serotonin, which helps boost confidence, enhances our physical well-being, and promotes a positive mindset. Subconsciously encouraging us to do this more often because it inspires greater trust, positive regard, empathy, and cooperation.

Bottom Line: Practicing the lessons of inclusion and equity that Dr. King shared with us so many years ago, helps build strong, diverse teams; enhances well-being; fosters creativity; and boosts open communication and connection. 

As we tackle the challenges of the past with fresh perspectives and open hearts, I believe we can create a more inclusive world and realize the dream he had so many years ago.

If you'd like to learn more about how to become an ally to communities of color, then contact me.

I'm happy to email you my (work in progress) learning list of books, articles, videos, websites and organizations, which are a great place to start raising your awareness and be a part of the change.

Michele Molitor, CPCC, PCC, RTT, C-Hyp

Michele Molitor is the Founder and CEO of Nectar Consulting Inc., and co-author of the best-selling book “Breakthrough Healing.” She works with executives and entrepreneurs bringing over 25 years of experience, intuitive insights, and strategic business savvy to their success. She is an expert at enhancing the capacity of leaders through greater emotional, social, and leadership well-being, helping them to build inclusive company cultures that result in high performing teams and increased bottom-line results.

Michele’s unique Rapid Rewiring? approach is a culmination of years of study in the realms of emotional intelligence, neuroscience, organizational psychology, and Rapid Transformational Therapy. She helps catalyze shifts in thinking and eliminate mental/emotional blocks to rapidly rewire your brain at a subconscious level for greater confidence and success.

She has provided executive coaching, training, leadership development, organizational development, and Rapid Transformational Therapy globally to individuals and entire organizations in a variety of industries verticals: Insurance, Law, Engineering, Education, Marketing, High Tech, Finance, and Real Estate in both the public and private sectors. Helping organizations revitalize their teams, enhance emotional intelligence, create strong cultures of positive communication while infusing them with clarity, purpose, and greater productivity.

As a nationally recognized speaker, certified executive coach, certified Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) practitioner, certified hypnotherapist, consultant, trainer, and writer, Michele’s passion for helping amplify natural talents and expand leadership is conveyed through all aspects of her work and writing.

Nectar Consulting, Inc. is also a Certified B Corporation.

Helping others to #DoWellByDoingGood.

#RapidRewire #SomedayStartsNow #UnlockThePowerOfYou