Creating a sense of belonging
Terri Givens
Consultant, Keynote Speaker, and Professor of Political Science at University of British Columbia
I know this is meant to be a monthly newsletter, but I couldn't resist posting this graphic about belonging. I was talking to a friend about doing a workshop for her group, and she was complaining that there was too much focus on recruitment and not enough on onboarding and retention. This is an important area for discussion, and it always comes up when I am doing workshops around inclusive leadership and hiring. It also comes up in my own work in academe -- too often we don't pay attention to making sure that a new hire is welcomed, and made to feel a part of the department or group. If someone is new to town, do you have a list of restaurants that might be of interest? Where should someone go to get their hair done? For faculty, do they know how to access all the different online systems from learning management systems to video conferencing? I was lucky that my department at McGill had a handbook for new faculty that I am working on sharing with the entire campus. It was my bible in my first year and I still refer to it when I don't know how to find something. I'm also grateful to my colleagues who have shared restaurant recommendations and hair stylists. It all matters in the end. Please feel free to download and share this graphic:
Consultant, Motivator, Author, Connector, Advisor, Facilitator and Collaborator
2 年Thank you Terri for sharing this. It is true that often times New hires are not fully connected to the system and can feel loss or fall through unnecessary cracks. It's the little things that can have a huge impact and make the difference for a better experience of inclusion.
Gender Equity Advisor | Technology and GBV | Expanding Civic Participation | Subject Matter Expert on Violence, Human Rights, and Rule of Law
2 年Yes! Recruitment is important but you're wasting everyone's time if your new hires want to leave as soon as they arrive. I love the idea of restaurant recommendations as well as a handbook.