Beyond Bias: 3 Steps to a Truly Inclusive Workplace

 As our workforce becomes increasingly diverse, leaders face the critical challenge of creating fair and equitable environments where everyone feels valued and respected. Unfortunately, unconscious biases can creep into our decisions, leading to disparities in hiring, promotions, and even day-to-day interactions. Research shows that we tend to gravitate toward those who are "like us," which can create barriers for underrepresented groups (1). This bias not only hinders individual growth but also limits the potential of the entire organization.

Leaders must actively challenge their biases and adopt intentional practices to cultivate a truly inclusive workplace. Here are three key steps inspired by the Power 6 leadership program:

1. Time Audit: Invest in Equity

Time is our most precious resource, and how we spend it speaks volumes. Unconsciously, we may be dedicating more time to those who mirror our own backgrounds or experiences. To counter this, conduct a "time audit":

• Track your interactions: Review your calendar, emails, and messages. Are you consistently spending more time with certain individuals or groups?

• Analyze the data: Look for patterns that might reveal unconscious biases in your time allocation.

• Take corrective action: Make a conscious effort to distribute your time more equitably. Schedule regular meetings with all team members, ensure equal access to mentorship and development opportunities, and be mindful of who you include in informal gatherings.

2. Cultivate Curiosity: Build Bridges of Understanding

The Power 6 emphasizes the importance of "knowing your people." Go beyond surface-level interactions and genuinely seek to understand your team members personally.

• Ask meaningful questions: Inquire about their values, aspirations, and interests. What are their passions outside of work? What are their career goals?

• Listen actively: Truly listen to their responses, demonstrating genuine interest and empathy.

• Find common ground: Despite differences in background or experience, you'll likely discover shared values and goals that foster connection and trust.

3. Seek Feedback: Create a Culture of Open Dialogue

To create a truly inclusive environment, you must understand how others perceive your actions.

• Create a safe space: Establish trust and demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusion to encourage open and honest feedback.

• Ask specific questions: Don't just ask "Do you feel included?" Instead, ask about specific experiences and situations: "Do you feel your ideas are heard in meetings? Do you feel you have equal access to opportunities?"

• Act on the feedback: Don't just collect feedback; take concrete steps to address concerns and improve the workplace experience for everyone.

Real-World Example:

I recently worked with a non-profit leader who came to me seeking executive coaching. Her work requires her to interact with people from different countries. Through coaching, she identified that discomfort with conflict was preventing her from asking direct questions about what individual employees needed to perform at higher levels. As she began to see that she was not serving her employees or the team by avoiding conflict, she found the courage to ask employees what changes she could make to improve their effectiveness. Her asking led to great levels of trust and small tweaks to how she works with employees, which boosted productivity.

The Business Case for Inclusion:

Inclusion isn't just the right thing to do; it's essential for success. Companies that prioritize inclusion benefit from:

• Increased engagement and productivity: Employees who feel valued and respected are likelier to be engaged and contribute their best work.

• Improved retention: Inclusion fosters a sense of belonging, making employees less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.

• Enhanced innovation: Diverse perspectives lead to more creative solutions and better decision-making.

Call to Action:

Building an inclusive workplace is an ongoing journey that requires continuous effort and commitment. By following these steps, leaders can create environments where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

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About the Author:

Dorian Cunion is an Executive Business Coach with Your Path Coaching and Consulting, specializing in coaching services for managers, executives, and small business owners. He is passionate about helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential through leadership development, strategic planning, and a focus on building inclusive workplaces.

Dorian's coaching approach is grounded in the "Path Finders Program," a framework designed to help clients clarify their goals, develop essential skills, and navigate leadership challenges. His expertise extends to various areas, including:

• Career Planning: Guiding individuals through career transitions, goal setting, and skill development.

• Leadership Development: Helping leaders enhance their self-awareness, build high-performing teams, and foster inclusive cultures.

• Work-Life Balance: Supporting individuals in finding balance and prioritizing their well-being.

• Strategic Planning: Assisting organizations in developing and executing strategic plans to achieve their goals.

Dorian's insights shares his expertise on topics such as workplace inclusion, leadership, and professional development. To learn more about Dorian and his coaching services, contact him directly on LinkedIn.

Connect with Dorian:

• LinkedIn: (10) Dorian Cunion, ACC, MBA 🌅 | LinkedIn

• Email: dcunion@yourpathexecutivesolutions.com

Resources:

• Grant, G. (August 7th, 2018). Similar-To-Me Bias: How Gender Affects Workplace Recognition. Forbes. Retrieved November 7, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/georginagrant/2018/08/07/similar-to-me-bias-how-gender-affects-workplace-recognition/?sh=51e35f8e540a

Mindfulness: A Powerful Tool for Mental Health in Toxic Work Environments

The toll that a toxic work environment can take on one's mental health is undeniable. When your workplace becomes a source of constant stress and negativity, it's not just your productivity that suffers – your entire well-being is at stake.

I recently worked with a female middle manager struggling in a toxic environment. Her boss consistently neglected her professional development, missed meetings, assigned tasks outside her job description, rarely expressed gratitude, and frequently criticized her for not meeting unrealistic expectations. This toxic atmosphere led to stress, anxiety, migraines, and sleep loss. As her mood worsened, so did her motivation to perform her best.

Sadly, this story is far too typical, particularly for women in middle management. Women are 50% more likely to report working in toxic workplaces, and middle managers are twice as likely as upper management to face such conditions. A staggering 76% of workers in toxic environments report negative impacts on their mental health.

So, how can you tell if your workplace is toxic? The Cleveland Clinic offers these eight warning signs:

• Frequent stomach discomfort

• Difficulty sleeping

• Chronic muscle tightness or migraines

• Frequent microaggressions

• Rare expressions of gratitude for your work

• Lack of investment in your professional development

• Unrealistic leadership goals

• Difficulty setting boundaries between work and home

Listen to Your Body

We're often taught to suppress emotions at work, but ignoring them is detrimental. Emotions are as vital as our other senses; while they shouldn't dictate our decisions, they should have a voice.

Mindfulness: Understanding Your Emotions

Mindfulness is not about relaxation or eliminating emotions; it's about being present and aware of your senses, thoughts, and feelings. By grounding yourself in the moment, you can recognize harmful behaviors and situations, and this awareness empowers you to take action.

Starting a Mindfulness Routine

Psychiatrist William Marchand recommends both formal and informal practices. Formal practices involve setting a time for meditation each day, starting with 5-10 minutes in a quiet room can help you improve concentration and better manage emotions. Over time, further benefits can be seen if you are able to work your way up to meditating for 15-20 minutes. Apps like Insight Timer, Calm, and Headspace can be helpful when starting a meditation routine. Informal meditation focuses on being present during everyday activities like walking, eating, or washing dishes. Both practices increase awareness and self-leadership.

We're Wired for Survival

Toxic work environments damage your mental health. Mindfulness can help you identify such environments and develop a plan to leave. Leaving is easier when you are grounded in how harmful the environment is for you, aware of your value, and embracing your resourcefulness.

Mindfulness in Action

My client gained clarity that her worth wasn't tied to her boss's approval. She recognized that extra work and low-value tasks created stress without benefit. She also saw how she mirrored her boss's behavior, spreading toxicity. This motivated her to apply for a job in another department, securing better pay and a less toxic environment.

You are stronger, more resourceful, and capable than you know. Mindfulness can help you discover your potential. Remember, protecting your mental health is crucial. If you're in a toxic workplace, develop a plan to leave. You deserve a healthy and fulfilling work environment.

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Thank you for reading this blog

Dorian Cunion is an Executive Coach and Business Consultant with Your Path Coaching and Consulting. He is a former retail executive with over 20 years of experience in the retail industry. He is a Co-Active coach who focuses on helping professionals and small business owners overcome insecurities, knowledge gaps, and lack of direction. He does this by assisting clients to tap into their values, recognize their strengths, and develop actionable strategies for growth.

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Is DIY Leadership Development Holding You Back? The Benefits of Executive Coaching

Leaders are constantly bombarded with information and advice on how to improve. The resources available for personal and professional development seem endless, from self-help books and podcasts to webinars and online courses. While these tools can be valuable for learning new skills and gaining insights, they often fall short when it comes to achieving meaningful, lasting change.

The truth is that even the most driven and capable individuals can hit a plateau where self-improvement efforts seem to stall. This is where coaching can make a significant difference.

How Does Executive Coaching Amplify Leadership Development?

Access to knowledge and learning opportunities is no longer the primary obstacle for high-achieving individuals. Tic Toc, YouTube, LinkedIn, and the local bookstore are overloaded with self-help resources telling you how to get a job, earn a promotion, start a business, or be a better leader. The real challenge lies in translating that knowledge into action, setting clear priorities, and maintaining focus amidst competing demands.

If learning alone were the key to prosperity and success, no one would need coaches, managers, or consultants. People could attend college, read books, watch videos, and achieve their goals. The table stakes for success are higher. To be successful, you need to understand what you are uniquely talented and interested in doing and dedicate time to it in a consistent and persistent manner.  

How Can Coaching Accelerate Growth?

Working with a skilled coach can help business leaders overcome these obstacles and achieve their full potential. A coach acts as a trusted partner, providing guidance, support, and encouragement as you self-discover and self-improve.

Here are some practical ways that coaching can facilitate growth:

• Defining what's important: A coach helps you identify your core values, strengths, and priorities, enabling you to make more intentional choices and focus on what truly matters.

• Improve Time Management: With a coach's help, you can create a clear roadmap for achieving your goals, break down complex tasks into manageable steps, and avoid overwhelm.

• Committing to action: A coach holds you accountable for taking action and making progress, ensuring that your plans don't remain mere intentions.

• Learning from experience: A coach helps you gain insights from your successes and setbacks through regular reflection and feedback, accelerating your learning and development.

Why Coaching Works?

The effectiveness of coaching lies in its unique combination of personalized attention, goal-oriented focus, and collaborative approach.

• Personalized Plan: Unlike generic self-help resources, coaching is tailored to your specific needs, challenges, and aspirations.

• Goal-orientated: A coach helps you stay laser-focused on your desired outcomes, avoiding distractions and staying on track.

• Collaborative: You are the expert on yourself, and your coach is the expert on what you have hired them for. The magic happens when you combine the two.

• Commitment and focus: Investing in coaching demonstrates a commitment to your own growth and development, increasing your motivation and focus.

How to Choose the Right Coach?

The coaching industry is vast and unregulated, so it is important to choose a coach who is a good fit for you and your goals.

Consider the following factors when selecting a coach:

• Problem definition: Clearly define the problem you're looking to solve or the goal you want to achieve.

• Tangible and intangible goals: Identify both tangible goals (e.g., promotion, raise, starting a business) and intangible goals (e.g., improved confidence, communication, personal accountability).

• Coach's experience: Research coaches who have experience helping people achieve similar goals.

• Coaching approach: Explore different styles and approaches to find one that resonates with you.

Summary

High-performing individuals understand the value of coaching. Working with a skilled coach can unlock your full potential, overcome limiting beliefs, and achieve your most ambitious goals.

Remember, even the most successful leaders benefit from a trusted partner guiding and support them on their journey. If you're ready to take your leadership to the next level, consider investing in a coach who can help you accelerate your growth and achieve lasting success.

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Thank you for reading this blog; share it with a friend.

As an executive coach, I assist business owners, executives, and middle managers in clarifying their professional goals, developing skills, and growing their capabilities so they can reach their full potential.

Whether you want to lead more effectively, acquire a new role, or earn a promotion, I am here to help you accelerate your growth and achieve more.

Let's develop your leadership plan.

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