4 minute read
SOLUTIONS FOR PROGRESS
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SOLUTIONS FOR REAL PROGRESS
Solutions for Real Progress
In their numerous interviews and presentations about their book and research, the authors amplified their “playbook for progress,” their suggestions for both companies and individuals that will drive the economic benefits of “teaming up.” For companies, Stewart and Adams offer five actions which start with hiring and funding women of color at scale. Hiring managers should know that talent is the new frontier. Those who look widely for people and set the right tone for workplace belonging will be the winners.
The authors have also shared an excellent checklist of six signature traits – developed by Deloitte – that best encapsulate an actionable way forward for leaders. Their summary and interpretation of these traits: 1. Commitment – This is where it starts. Driven by values and a deep-seated sense of fairness. (This is how you show up). 2. Courage – Don’t be afraid to challenge entrenched organizational attitudes, display humility, acknowledge personal limitations, and seek the contributions of others to overcome them. (See something, Say something, Do something). 3. Cognizance of bias – Checks and balances to prevent organizational biases from stifling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Unconscious bias training which is in full force across many companies is not one and done. It should be ever-present. 4. Curiosity – Ask respectful questions, engage with active listening; make people feel valued, respected and represented. (Seek knowledge). 5. Cultural intelligence – Show you value different cultural backgrounds. (Tomorrow’s leaders will require IQ + EQ + CQ). 6. Collaborative – Ensure all individuals feel empowered to express their opinions; diversity of thinking is critical to effective collaboration.
For individual women of color, Stewart and Adams reiterate the major findings of the survey and the major leadership concepts of their book: Teaming Up to Lead, Empower and Thrive. For women of color to lead effectively they require generational alliances, openness to those willing to help, mental resilience, honest feedback, and a posse.
In the spirit of “just getting started,” Bonita Stewart published a list of Ten Inclusive Leadership Actions to consider as we enter 2021.
1. Eradicate the “Only” on your teams. Look around, look around – do you see anyone from an underrepresented community by themselves? Eliminate the stress of tokenism and hire in multiples.
Reap the abundance that comes from diversity of talent. 2. Activate innovation from “everywhere.” The internet has brought warp speed to everything from e-commerce to biotechnology.
Tackle more gnarly problems by bringing voice to those who may feel silenced.
3. Disrupt the traditional recruiting model. Doing the same thing delivers the same results. Check out new emerging platforms such as Valence and AboveBoard or simply follow Steven Wolfe Pereira on LinkedIn if you are still experiencing pipeline anxiety. 4. Create buddy Diversity and Inclusion leaders by aligning majority contributors with minorities. Diversity and inclusion should be seen as a business “blessing,” not a burden. Team Up across ALL races. 5. Accelerate “Stretch” assignments. Tap and nudge forward those who have potential vs perfection. 6. Nurture Generational Alliances across Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers. Imagine the power of Wisdom + Vision. 7. Make Cultural Intelligence (CQ) a requirement for leadership development and succession. IQ + EQ + CQ. 8. Expand Revenue inclusion and Customer representation.
Ask yourself who is missing from your portfolio of customers?
How can you attract new customers to your product and services with authenticity and grace? 9. Strengthen your leadership empathy muscle. Renowned author,
Isabel Wilkerson says “Radical empathy means putting in the work to educate oneself and to listen with a humble heart to understand another’s experience from their perspective, not as we imagine we would feel. Radical empathy is not about you and what you think you would do in a situation you have never been in and perhaps never will. It is the kindred connection from a place of deep knowing that opens your spirit to the pain of another as they perceive it.”
The NYT provides five experts on improving this skill. 10. Lead by example. Be courageous. Do not hesitate. Begin today.
What Readers Are Saying About “A Blessing”
“I started reading your book and I can’t put it down !!! BRAVO !!! “A Blessing” is a blessing. I relate to so much of it. As a cardcarrying member of the “only” club, I am stronger and wiser, but I wonder how much shrapnel I have taken in from toxicity in the workplace. Your message is so important. POC women have to work together and support each other.”
“In January, I’m buying more and sending out to more friends, including my two daughters! There’s so much wisdom captured that I and countless other readers can soak up — from Nelson Mandela’s “lead from behind” to “therefore, make sure that your work is also your pleasure,” from Theobald. But even more gems come from you and Bonita when you both uncover in your respective journeys. The inspiring success Black women have had in their entrepreneurial ventures, and often being the primary breadwinner in their families, surmounting untold obstacles in their careers, is still not told enough in today’s world.”
