Greetings!
2020 is a new year and a fresh decade!
In this first quarter, I'll share tips to help you make your workplace more respectful and inclusive.
January
: Centering Ourselves to Prepare for Important Meetings
February
: Connecting with Each Other
March
: Reflecting on Our Own Behaviors
Identities Can Help Us Connect with Each Other
Our identities are complicated and ever shifting. Who are we? Common identities include:
- Religion | Race/ Ethnicity | Country of Origin
- Language(s) | Age/Generation | Immigration/Citizenship
- Physicalilty/Abilities | Birth Order | Family/Generational History
- Sexual Orientation | Gender Identity/Presentation | Geography/Where Raised
- Occupation | Current City/Neighborhood | Political Beliefs
- Partnered/Single | Family/Children | Hobbies | Pet Ownership
- Values | Talents | Education Level | Travel/Experiences | Music
The importance of these parts of us shift and re-rank according to events in our lives, events in the world, and the people in our circle of influence. Our identities change over time (like having kids) and even shift depending on the people in the room. At a recent women's college event, I spoke with the husband of an acquaintance. He was one of two men in a room of hundreds. He remarked that he rarely thought about being a man, but in that moment, he was very aware of his difference. Very aware of his behavior and how he represented other men outside of that space.
This list could be used to point out division. But I hope it sparks curiosity and creates connection.
Each of these identities can bring us together. I witnessed Judges and defendants connect over their kids. I had a heated mediation turn a corner when the parties talked about their love of music. And I was heartened to see a former colleague finally find belonging at work when he started a lunchtime gym crew.
What do you have in common with your co-workers? Connect.
Next month, we'll talk about actions we can take to foster a supportive and respectful workplace.
