A New Spin on March Madness

By Alison Marker

What energizes you in March?? Some may appreciate the long-awaited increasing hours of daylight. Others are in analysis mode, preparing bracket forecasts for the NCAA tournament mid-month. For me, I am all-about hyping March for its focus on inclusion.

There are three major initiatives across the United States in March of which leaders should take note. ?First is Women’s History Month, dedicated to reflecting on women’s often-overlooked historic contributions. ?President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week in 1980, and the U.S. Congress followed suit the next year and later expanded the event to the entire month of March.?? March 8 also marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women. ?The first week of March is also Women in Construction week across the country, highlighting the roles of women in shaping the future of the construction industry.?

Why should business leaders actively care about inclusion?

Corporate leaders can directly impact employee retention and recruitment by ensuring the presence of diversity of thought and acceptance for culture, ideas, and growth.

Inclusion impacts culture

Most people seek the ability to make a meaningful contribution and feel a sense of ownership of their work.? Gallup reported that ‘the ability to do what they do best’ ranks as one of the top factors an employee looks for in a job.? When people enjoy their work, find it stimulating, and have the opportunity to do work around their gifts and training, they want to do more of it. ?People long to feel included, appreciated and respected. Focusing on meetings and interactions where employees can show up fully without hiding aspects of their beliefs creates an engaging and desirable environment.

Inclusion brings out your company’s best new ideas

Leadership teams depend on people immersed in the company’s processes to identify ways to improve and innovate. If the work environment builds psychological safety for employees to freely express their thoughts, ideas and concerns, they will feel included in decision-making and heard. Research has shown that active listening and acting or explaining inaction increases the likelihood of employees speaking up again in the future. ?Leaders need teams to feel encouraged to bring forward the next great idea.

Inclusion will help you grow as a leader

One of the greatest risks seasoned leaders face is believing that they have all the answers because of their title and experience. As a leader, it is critical to seek out diverse perspectives across age, cultural backgrounds, departments, geographic locations and leader levels and then allow input from employees to meaningfully impact decisions.? We have all likely lived the outcome of a decision made in a silo instead of gathering more data and fresh perspectives to factor into the decision-making process. ?An inclusive environment strengthens your leadership approach.

My educational background is in psychology, women’s studies and clinical social work. I spent my early career in community mental health and later as a private practice psychotherapist. ?When I joined my family’s construction company 12 years ago, I really wanted to leverage my position and our business as a platform to continue this important work and become a business that not only cares deeply about people and our community but also is actively participating in growth and change. ?

Creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued, involved and respected for the perspectives, ideas, views and experiences they bring takes hard work and intention. ?Maybe we do need a month of deliberate, purposeful focus on inclusion for the greater good inside and outside of our organizations.? That is my kind of March Madness.

(As seen in Columbus Business First)

?

Alison Marker is the President & CEO of Marker, Inc.? Marker Construction guides companies through business expansion, facility modernization and energy initiatives as a highly trusted commercial construction and development firm in Central Ohio. Over 85% of our business is with repeat clients, speaking to the company’s responsiveness and comprehensive approach. Marker’s expertise is extensive, with almost 70 years of experience across three generations, now women-owned, with a proven leadership track record in DEI operations, safety and community impact.

?