Hello Everyone!
Spring is here. Who followed and saw the solar eclipse? Any good pictures? Share them here:
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Wall Street Journal best-selling author, Mita Mallick, who wrote Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace.
Creating a truly inclusive workplace requires more than just diversity initiatives. In this write-up, we'll delve into key points from my interview with Mita Mallick, a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) expert, to understand how to foster a work environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Unveiling Our Biases
We all have biases, and Mallick emphasizes self-awareness as the first step to overcoming them. Reflect on your social circles: are they diverse? Who do you interact with outside of work? Here are some questions Mallickk offers to consider:
How many of your close relationships are cross-cultural?
Who are the people you spend your leisure time with?
When you go about your daily errands, who serves you?
What kind of social spaces do you frequent?
Who lives in your neighborhood?
When celebrating something important, who are the first five people you contact?
A lack of diversity in your personal life may limit your ability to recognize and challenge biases in the workplace.
Going Beyond Diversity
Diversity training is a common approach, but Mallick contends that inclusion is the ultimate goal. A diverse workforce is important, but it's about creating a space where everyone feels a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to thrive.
Simple practices can make a big difference:
Be mindful of who dominates conversations in meetings.
If someone seems quiet, take the initiative to connect with them.
Show appreciation for colleagues' contributions with handwritten thank-you notes.
Broaden the scope of invitations to social gatherings.
The Power of Sponsorship
Mentorship is valuable for career development, but sponsorship takes it a step further. Sponsors are advocates who actively promote your work and champion your growth when you’re not in the room.
Here are some tips for finding a sponsor:
Identify someone you admire for their work ethic and achievements.
Offer to assist them with a project they're leading.
Build a strong relationship over time.
Don't hesitate to ask for their guidance and support.
Equal Pay for Equal Work
The gender pay gap is a persistent issue, and Mallick highlights how motherhood can still negatively impact a woman's salary. Regular compensation reviews by managers are crucial to ensure equal pay for equal work.
Call to Action
Building an inclusive workplace is a continuous journey. By being aware of our biases, actively fostering inclusion, and advocating for equal pay, we can all contribute to a more equitable work environment.
Here are some ways you can get started:
Listen to the full podcast episode to gain deeper insights.
Consider reading Mita’s book.
Most importantly, take action today! Small changes in your daily interactions can make a big difference.
Watch the full conversation on YouTube
Follow Mita Mallick on Instagram
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