Pay It Forward

Everyone enjoys some privilege. Regardless of your background or life experiences, you were likely born into or had access to resources and opportunities that others have not. The problem with privilege comes from not being aware of your privilege and working to use it to benefit those around you and those that you lead. Working internationally for nearly ten years, I had the privilege of having English as my first language as it is commonly used in global companies. However, for many employees and leaders outside the US and Commonwealth countries, English is a second or third language. My own recognition of this privilege was the beginning of my journey to becoming a better leader.

Great leaders understand their own power and privilege and seek to understand the experiences of those around them. They can empathize with the experiences of those with less privilege and work to extend their own privilege in support of others. Leaders need to take concrete steps to create greater self-awareness, develop empathy for others and make space for those with different experiences from our own. In the context of leadership, these actions can help build a diverse and engaged team that trust one another and are committed to each other.

Leaders must first develop clarity of their own leadership style and traits. They must learn about their strengths and weaknesses and areas where they may derail when under stress or in a challenging situation. There are many tools available to help leaders gain this self-awareness. Secondly, leaders develop empathy for those with different experiences and less privilege. Be curious. Ask questions to learn and understand e.g., “please tell me more about your experience?” or “can you provide more context?” It’s important to be sincere, open for dialogue and avoid any type of judgement. You’re creating space for that individual and their ideas even if you don’t agree with or understand them.

As a leader with privilege, it’s also essential that you speak-up and advocate?for the less privileged on your team. It’s common for less privileged individuals to avoid engaging with the group if they feel they are the “only” one or will somehow not “fit in” if they speak out. The talented individuals on my teams, where English was not their 1st?or even 2nd?language, would often be quiet and less engaged in the conversation. I knew I needed to be mindful of my privilege and work to include and inspire these individual to share their knowledge and experience with the team. We were a better more high-performing team with everyone’s contribution and commitment.

If you’re interested in what it takes to?develop greater self-awareness, empathy and create space for all your team members to collaborate and perform at their best,?reach out to me and?schedule some time to talk.?I?have some ideas to share with you.

Learn more by visiting my website HERE.

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