“You belong here. Bring your authentic self because it’s what’s going to change our organization for the better.” – Ruchika Tulshyan
As we look towards the last few months of 2021 (hard to believe it, we know!), we remain focused on our work around inclusion and belonging in the workplace with an authenticity mindset.
Last month we shared Fevi’s story and how she was able to rise above cultural bias, own her truth, and bring her true authentic self to her business. Continuing on that theme, this month, we’re talking about the unique challenges many of us face when it comes to finding our place within our organization. From imposter phenomenon to pet to threat to implicit bias, external factors play a huge role, particularly amongst women, in diminishing an individual’s sense of value and contributions. Understanding that these factors exist is key to achieving belonging and inclusion in the workplace.
But where do you start?
Here are 3 resources to help you foster belonging in the workplace:
#1: Unraveling imposter phenomenon and its connection with belonging.
Last week Brené Brown’s thought-provoking podcast, Dare to Lead, was all about creating that culture of belonging in the workplace. This powerful conversation, including authors/speakers Jodi-Ann Burey and Ruchika Tulshyan, centers around Imposter Syndrome – why the term was created, and how it has evolved and contributed to an overall lack of belonging. Burey and Tulshyan have written two Harvard Business Review articles around the inner workings of Imposter Syndrome. Stop Telling Women they have Imposter Syndrome and End Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace bring light to the self-blame mindset that holds individuals back. Be sure to take some time to listen to the full podcast here.
#2: The needle is moving as far as women taking on more leadership roles, but there’s so much more work to be done.
The alarming statistic that “Asian women account for 1 in 15 women in entry-level roles but only 1 in 50 women in the C-suite.” is an example of this. LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company released this datapoint in their recent 2021 Women in the Workplace Study. The report is filled with other important findings and data surrounding women in corporate America. Including how their role and overall mental health has been dramatically and uniquely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Download the full study to obtain valuable insights and learnings.
#3: Becoming an ally could be the biggest role you play in creating a sense of belonging in your office, especially if you’re a white male.
As organizations change and evolve to be more diverse and inclusive of all, many, particularly white men, struggle to understand how they fit into the conversation. Our course, “The Evolving Role of White Men in the Workplace”, focuses on understanding and learning how to leverage one’s own privilege in order to build a more equitable and inclusive environment. In this course, Vernā Myers presents the challenges, misunderstandings, and often discomfort that many white men are facing in today’s more diverse and inclusive workplace. Head here to enroll in this dynamic, 24-minute online course today.
Be seen. Be heard. Share your story with TVMC. We all come to the table with our own unique story and experiences. Do you have a story of resilience and self awareness? A time where you committed to pushing past societal biases to be your true self? We’d love to hear from you. Submit your story to info@vernamyers.com and we’ll feature it on our LinkedIn page!
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