Pandemic. Racial injustice. Online school. Job loss. These days there’s no shortage of sadness and trouble. However, the joy of 2020 is seeing people come together. So often after something happens the world comes together for 48 or maybe even 96 hours and then back to life as usual. The key is to not just talk about change, but to be the change.
Here’s how:
Listening more than telling – Listen to people when they speak. Perhaps the subject is about resumes, jobs, the weather or 100 other things. Listen to gain new insight vs speaking over them. Ask how you can support the decision or how you can use your tools or name to help.
- Proactive plans- Do you have a to do list? How about one for when you go to the store? Maybe a list of football faves? Either way, a plan to move forward is needed. After you listen and share your insight, create a plan. That means saying the following, by 2021 we will reduce emissions by and fill in the blank. Let’s try it again, by 2021 we ill have a more inclusive workforce by hiring students from HBCU’s, offering internships to students from low income families, recruit within a 35 mile range, partner with local colleges or offer grants. Put a timestamp on it and get it done. Create metrics.
- Admit faults – No one says the right things all the time. No one does the right thing all the time. However, everyone can do something to build a better workplace and while it may not make everyone happy, sometimes a simple “we are sorry, or I didn’t know can go a long way. When you find yourself having these issues, speak up. Admit faults and vow to improve workplace relationships.
