Inclusion & Belonging : A Mindset

At PowerSchool, inclusion and belonging are not just buzzwords; they are the very foundation of our culture. Our #PowerWomen—trailblazing leaders you see in the picture—are the driving force behind our commitment to empowering everyone to be their authentic selves!

Let's go beyond celebrating the inspiring stories and the incredible initiatives of our #Women@PowerSchool. I would like to share personal insights and valuable lessons I've gained from being a part of this remarkable group and also explore best practices that align with our commitment to #DEIB.

With around 34% of our workforce being women, these leaders are not just pushing the envelope—they’re shaping the future of growth, innovation, and diversity at PowerSchool. They’ve turned allyship into an active, ongoing commitment where everyone, regardless of gender, is encouraged to bring their unique perspectives to the table. Together, we’re making "belonging" a core pillar, embracing diversity across gender, regions, skills, perspectives, and thought processes. ??

Sure, it's easy to boast about impressive diversity statistics, but let's go beyond the surface. I'd like to share my personal experiences and the practices I advocate for to foster a truly inclusive and equitable workplace.

Not Like Me? That’s Fine!

If my team or stakeholders aren’t like me, that’s not just okay—it’s fantastic! Diversity of thought, style, and approach is what strengthens us. Instead of trying to force everyone to see things my way, we ask, “What can I do to meet them where they are?” Whether it’s adjusting the narrative or simply asking what they value, it’s all about finding common ground.

Strengths? Let’s Polish Them!

Let’s focus on what’s working. We’re not about fitting people into boxes; we’re about amplifying each person’s unique strengths. Picture a team where everyone’s superpowers are nurtured and celebrated. That’s where the magic happens. So, let’s polish those talents until they shine. ?

Help Me Understand—No, Seriously, Help Me!

Instead of assuming someone’s approach is off-base, I’ve learned to pause and ask, “Can you tell me more? Help me understand!” This approach leads to conversations that are 100 times more meaningful and reduces misunderstandings. It’s our secret sauce for effective cross-mentoring and collaboration. ??

Feedback: The Gift No One Asked For (But We Need Anyway)

Feedback can sometimes feel like that unexpected birthday gift, but at PowerSchool, we’ve turned it into our growth fuel. We regularly ask, “How can I do better?” and embrace feedback as a valuable tool for improvement, even if it is a blistering one. ??

Different People, Different Talk!

One-size-fits-all communication doesn’t work here. We recognize that everyone’s style is unique, so we tailor our approach—whether it’s through a memo, a heart-to-heart, or a Slack joke—to fit individual preferences. ???

Pause. Think. Act.

Here’s a leadership tip: Before making a decision, hit the mental ‘pause’ button and ask, “Will this work for everyone? Am I considering all perspectives?” This tiny pause can make all the difference between inclusion and oversight. ??

Cross-Cultural Competence—Your New Superpower!

Inclusion isn’t just about gender or skills; it’s also about embracing cultural diversity. Having a mix of backgrounds and perspectives is like possessing a superpower that allows us to see the world through different lenses, making every decision smarter and more empathetic. ??

Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat; It Made It Smarter!

Curiosity drives us daily and it is one of our values! Our leaders ask questions, challenge assumptions, and love playing devil’s advocate (in the best way!). It’s how we learn, grow, and innovate together. Keep asking “Why?” and watch doors open that you didn’t even know existed. ??

Speak Up, Quiet Ones—We’re Listening

In meetings, it’s not just the loudest voices that matter. We actively encourage quieter team members to share their insights. Their ideas often surprise and inspire us. Sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge to get the innovation flowing. ??

Blind Spots? Yeah, We’ve Got ‘Em

Guess what? We’re all biased (spoiler alert ??). The key is admitting it, embracing it, and working hard to check ourselves daily. Inclusion isn’t about perfection; it’s about recognizing our blind spots and growing from them.

Inclusion isn't a fleeting initiative or a mere checklist item. It's a mindset fueled by curiosity, open-mindedness, and a genuine desire to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. At PowerSchool, we don't just talk about inclusion; we embody it, driven by our inspiring #Women@PowerSchool and exceptional leaders who create an environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and truly part of the team.

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