Wake-Up Call

We have important work to do. Yesterday’s election results were a wake-up call for our country. Whether you participated in the election or not, today is a big day, a day where we cannot deny the deep divisions that exist in our country. They also exist in our workplaces. For many, being at work feels a bit uneasy.

Whether the culture of your organization is a vocal or a quiet one, know that emotions and feelings are present, though not necessarily expressed. Some are overjoyed. Some are devastated. Some are numb. Whatever the case, as Inclusive Leaders committed to Diversity and Inclusion, it is our job to create a safe space where people can feel respected and heard no matter their views.

What does this mean? As a friend and colleague, I want to share some thoughts about how to support yourself, your team and your organization during this time .

• Stay calm and keep rowing – People are looking to you for how to lead through times like this. In your role, you know that there are always bumps in the road. You’ve weathered them before, and you will this time too. Don’t succumb to fear, stay calm and stay the course.
• Stay open and curious – Start with yourself. Be aware of how you’re feeling. Convene conversations, with your team and your leadership. Lean towards wanting to understand, and help your C-suite understand that, though politics doesn’t necessarily belong in the workplace, politics will always be in the workplace. Better to embrace it, than ignore it.
• Look for the opportunities – This is an opportunity to demonstrate the kind of inclusive behavior that we seek in a diverse workplace. Whether a “brown bag lunch, ” a letter to your employees or an address by senior leadership, these are all chances to remind people that, just like in the election, everyone has a voice, and all voices are valued and deserve to be heard.

What else? Reach out. Call, email, text, yell. We want to hear how you’re doing, and how we can help. My business partner, Susanne Goldstein, and our VP of Client Relations, Cristina Hernandez, are available if you need help and guidance. To schedule a time to talk with Susanne or Cristina, please email Jennifer Simpson at [email protected].

Despite everything, our team feels more energized than ever. We are noticing our own biases and asking ourselves what we can do to be more compassionate, and help move all people, workplaces and our country forward. Here are a few ideas about how we might help:

• Executive Session: C-Suite to the Main Street: How to Lead Through Cultural Unrest & Change – equipping leaders with the skills they need to lead inclusively.
• Open Webinar for D & I Professionals: Dialogue with Verna about how to manage people and teams through this changing cultural and political climate. 
• Facilitated Workplace Community Dialogues: Talking Boldly Sessions – bringing teams and workplace communities together in safe and productive dialogues.

I know these are difficult times. These are also the times when the best in us come forth. Know that we are here for you.

Sincerely,

Vernā Myers