Day of Reflection
For years, all of us were immersed in the culture of busyness, and our fast-paced schedules and hectic lives were often points of pride. The pandemic has clearly forced us to slow down, and I hope that this pause will ultimately lead to a better understanding of who we are and what we truly value, as people and a society. Our firm's annual Day of Reflection and Understanding this week is where we set aside time to share, think and learn about how we can strengthen our unity and Edward Jones as a place of belonging for all.
At Edward Jones, we are encouraged to bring our authentic selves to work. But it's incumbent upon us to create space where people feel comfortable and empowered to do so. These are important conversations – critical really – that we continue to have. As an enthusiastic signatory of the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, we are aligning with the theme of Real Dialogue for Real Change. As CEO Action states, "In times of division and uncertainty, candid dialogue is a powerful tool to bring people together."
I couldn't agree more. In addition to our Courageous Conversations program, which we started in 2017 and our five point commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion made in 2020, we've hosted 225 of these critical dialogues across a wide range of topics, with more than 11,500 of our colleagues to deepen our understanding of one another and the experiences that have shaped us. The day also offers opportunities for self-reflection, virtual team lunches and coffee chats and virtual panels including voices from our colleagues. New York Times bestselling author Ori Brafman moderated a panel I intend to watch on Belonging: What Does It Mean and Why Is It Important? From social unrest to the pandemic, Ori helps us understand how these events have furthered feelings of exclusion and isolation and how we can help others feel accepted and included at work. For the first time this year, we included a podcast series that associates can listen to individually or as a team that features critical discussions on topics such as microaggressions and mental health.
This has been a painful time for many colleagues. I hope we'll take a few moments to pause and reflect, so that we can move forward stronger together, hopeful for being better versions of ourselves, our companies, our communities, and society.
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Financial Advisor/ Wealth Strategies/ Estate & Legacy Considerations/ Retirement Assessment/
3 年So thankful for our leadership continually looking for ways to improve the lives of us and ultimately that extends to our clients. The culture of our firm creates belonging, encourages openness, and creates the opportunity to participate in conversations to grow and learn.
Helping Athletic Coaches & Trainers Face Their Fear of the Unknown in Their Financial Future, and Create a Winning Game Plan for Your Next Season.
3 年I was a member of a panel in a region on the east coast. Thank you for your leadership especially with this topic.
Financial Advisor at Edward Jones
3 年I am so grateful to collaborate with everyone for the same cause!
Branch Office Administrator at Edward Jones
3 年I'm grateful to work for an organization that gives their employees time and resources to reflect and develop self awareness. I've participated in some of these Courageous Conversations and sometimes they've been uncomfortable. I hope that means productive action in creating sustainable unity & change.
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3 年Penny ths is a model that I wish all companies , large and small, would do to, not only try to understand all points of view, but have us as individuals ask “how can we personally be Uniters and leaders in asking the right questions of ourselves as well as others”. Great job. Anxious to read your follow up with the “ahas” of the time spent together.