Organizations and hiring managers were asked to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives nationwide. And though many things have returned to business as usual, the emphasis on companies building a community of belonging and acceptance has remained.
Establish an Inclusive Company Culture
Leaders play a critical role in shaping association culture. Spend time establishing the proper habits now to strengthen your corporate image for future generations. Encourage your staff to celebrate acceptance more than commonality. It’s the differences in views, backgrounds, and experiences that lead to innovation and growth.
An article from the MIT Sloan Management Review, “How Leaders Can Optimize Teams’ Emotional Landscapes,” stated that shared emotion is great for aligning individuals to execute a strategy effectively. However, many leaders feel the best way to align groups is by cultivating a shared feeling of positivity or a sense of urgency. Using these methods does inspire employees to rally around a central task; get more, aim higher, reach further. The caution in using them is that you risk reinforcing biases.
Fostering A Creative Environment
As barriers between personal and professional lives have blurred, people are becoming more open about the stresses associated with taking care of loved ones, feelings of isolation from working remotely, and racial bias. We are now seeing peers as more than just colleagues, but as parents, caretakers, friends, spouses, etc.
Common life events are presenting new ways to find common ground. They create inherent inclusivity that we all share through a particular set of circumstances. Parents worry about their children, children worry about aging relatives, employees worry about job stability, and citizens worry about the state of the nation.
Understand Public Perception
We are finding new ways to connect with others both emotionally and virtually. It’s worth noting what people are saying on social media. Use those insights to credibly build a sense of belonging in your organization. Audit your brand image, language, and the types of speakers you invite to your annual conference. These are just some of the ways your organization’s brand is “speaking” to the world. Be sure that the message authentically includes diversity and belonging.
