Open to Change

Open to Change

You know what time it is. It’s New Year’s Resolution time! (Insert eyeroll here.)

Seriously, how many times have you made a New Year’s Resolution only to look back in 3 or 6 months (or weeks) and think, “I am nowhere near accomplishing that”? Although none of us likes to admit it—myself most certainly included--we’ve all done it. So while I?take time to reflect on where I am and what I’d like to accomplish in the new year, I no longer make resolutions. Instead, I create goals. ???

Before I can set goals for myself, though—before I decide what I want to do, before I make plans, before I build my accountability team—I must become open to change. I have to acknowledge what my current state is (whether I like it or not). Admit that I’m the reason my current state is the way it is. And accept that I have the power to change it. Then, I have to commit to doing the work, without excuses. Easy to do? Of course not. But is it worth it? Absolutely. Because it works. ??

The same is true for our organizations. As Waymakers, we understand that without energy and accountability, all things remain stagnant. In other words, our good intentions are like New Year’s Resolutions—not worth the paper or vision boards we put them on if we don’t take ownership and ACT. Where do we start? We must be open to change. ??

Here’s how:??

Embrace Realism?

If we have any chance of creating the kinds of cultures we say we want tomorrow—diverse, equitable, and inclusive—we have to first be honest with ourselves and each other about who (and what) we are today. What are your people telling you about their experiences in your organization? What are their concerns? What do they love? What do they wish were different? Being honest about what is broken in your systems and norms is the first step to becoming the company you claim to be and nurturing the culture you say you want. Internalize employee experience results. Call the things—sexism, racism, ableism, xenophobia, etc.—what they are. Acknowledge the results as real and problematic. Then own your role in doing something about it.??

Take Responsibility?

Change requires not only awareness, but also ownership—the knowing that you are indeed the change you seek. Your people’s experiences, their truths, are a direct result of the decisions you make and don’t make. Deciding not to address something is, in fact, communicating to your people that you’re okay with how things are. Changing our workplaces requires a lot from us. It will take being honest about the bias inherent in our systems and acknowledging the ugly truth that some like it that way. It will take discovering where discriminatory practices hide and being bold and intentional about rooting them out. It will take courageous leadership—holding ourselves and others accountable to the values we espouse. It will require you knowing it is up to you and you actually doing the work. ???

Build Relationship?

Relationships open doors of opportunity. And relationships start with points of connection. But how do we build relationships with people who are not like us? The same way you build any relationship—by discovering points of connection. Connectedness inspires curiosity, dispels stereotypes, broadens perspectives, creates value, and nurtures respect. We leverage connectedness to usher in the systemic change we need to achieve equity. People who are not like us are still people, and just like us, they have hopes and fears and needs and gifts. If we got to know and truly care about human beings who are different from us, we might be more willing to spend our capital—our time, energy, advocacy, and resources—on their behalf. This sharing of capital is one way to clear the path to equity in our organizations and in our societies too. ???

Be Open to Change

We do not all have an equal opportunity to succeed. We are not all starting from the same place, with the same tools, in the same conditions. Headwinds abound. Roadblocks are erected. And even when we arrive at the same time, the clocks are sometimes—for some of us—reset. People still say, with all the evidence to the contrary in the public domain, that those of us living with the various -isms and phobias that negatively impact our world and workplaces—i.e. sexism, ableism, racism, xenophobia, transphobia, etc.—do not see what we see or hear what we hear. That we do not experience what we experience. But we do. And it's not only a drag on our careers, but on our very lives, our liberty, and our pursuits of happiness. And, you know what else is true? Whether you’re in the C-suite or act as an individual contributor, YOU have the power to change what people in your organization experience every day—one admission of reality, one intentional relationship across differences, one informed, intentional action at time.

When you’re ready to shift from resolutions and good intentions to intentional action and a more equitable culture for all, connect with us. We stand ready to help you and your organization open to change.?

Together in Waymaking,?

Tara Jaye?& The Waymakers Change Group??


Tara Jaye Frank is author of The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity with Competence and Confidence and founder of The Waymakers Change Group, a human-centered management consulting firm that supports mid-sized and large companies who seek to transform their employee experience and build capacity to lead all people well.? Our proprietary approach, grounded in behavioral research and decades of inclusive leadership expertise, challenges and equips leaders to unleash the potential of all people, thereby promoting healthy workplace cultures and fueling sustainable businesses.

Laura Pope

CPG leader experienced in sales, marketing and retail

1 年

Realistic, achievable steps. Love how you’ve laid this out.

Tiffany Castagno

Empowering People Leaders & organizations to elevate their Cultures, Employer Brands, & build sustainable systems focused on Engagement, Retention, Equity, and Inclusion | Speaker | Author | Culture & Community Builder

1 年

Yes Tara! Thank you for being a Waymaker! This rhetoric has gotten stale. I had SUCH a refreshing conversation around this last night at a Community event. ????

Tommy Acierno

Perceptive Leader that Develops Teams into their Potential |+| Experienced Director and Executive |+| Builds Products |+| Trained Coaches |+| Authored Books

1 年

Absolutely. A willingness to change (which may include letting go) of habits, unconscious values, or limiting beliefs that have been there a long time can be a huge ask. But doing so could have the power to skyrocket your ability as a leader. Very insightful, Tara.

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Tara Jaye Frank的更多文章

  • At the Edge

    At the Edge

    The beginning of my helper journey beyond corporate was bumpy at best. Betting on myself after building such a…

    25 条评论
  • The Scissors or the Needle?

    The Scissors or the Needle?

    While driving home from the gym, I asked Siri to play music by India.Arie, the singer, songwriter, and…

    11 条评论
  • On Not Becoming the Unraveling

    On Not Becoming the Unraveling

    I’ve been thinking a lot about where we go from here. Every weekday (and some weekends), I wake up early in the morning…

    19 条评论
  • This Women's Work

    This Women's Work

    I was eight years old when my Tetea asked who would clean my house when I became a woman. She had good reason for the…

    4 条评论
  • It Is Finished

    It Is Finished

    A decade ago, I heard God say, “Tell them how I restored you.” My restoration story has been—if I consider every…

    48 条评论
  • Everything Everywhere All at Once

    Everything Everywhere All at Once

    Dear Friends, So much is changing so quickly. Too many people talking, not enough listening.

    9 条评论
  • Trusting What We See

    Trusting What We See

    My good friend Steve had a wife, four young children, and a beautiful house on a hill when he parted ways with his…

    8 条评论
  • Do Us All a Favor, Please

    Do Us All a Favor, Please

    A few days ago, my friend Keith texted me with a link to an AP article about the preliminary injunction blocking the…

    27 条评论
  • The Difference Between Truth and Facts

    The Difference Between Truth and Facts

    I've been reflecting on how hopeful I felt in the early weeks of Kamala Harris’ presidential candidacy. People were…

    15 条评论
  • Helpers Need Help Too

    Helpers Need Help Too

    On the last day of 2024, I called a former client with whom I really connected but hadn’t spoken to in a while. She's a…

    4 条评论

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了