Don't Squander This Moment.....
What should we be saying to our teams about race and privilege today? How about beginning with this? “I value and believe in each and every one of you. I believe in your abilities and I believe in our joint capabilities. I will do everything I can to understand the challenges we are facing and I will provide you with the time, space, and support you require to do what you need to do; to find a sense of justice and a deeper sense of peace.”
And then affirm.
We will get through this together.
There will be difficult days ahead, that much is certain. Each of us at Thoughts2Lead, believe being empathetic, honest, and transparent present the clearest path through these uncertain and difficult times.
This is a moment we cannot squander – it presents us with an opportunity to change who we are, how we see the world, and how we react to it; not just for a moment but through the long arc of our lives. It is our chance to move beyond a history of injustice and oppression. In this moment we have both the opportunity and the moral and political obligation to create the American dream for all. If we honestly believe that all men were created equally, this is our chance make those words a reality for all, if we honestly believe that all men have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, then this is our moment.
Our team at Thoughts2Lead encourages leaders to begin this journey by truly seeing each team member for who they are; as men and women, and by acknowledging that everyone matters.
We are encouraging leaders to learn more about injustice and oppression, to learn more about systemic racism and privilege. We are encouraging leaders to develop a deeper understanding of what each team member needs today to fell mentally and physically safe right now, as they support an organization or business.
With all of the craziness of a world seemingly gone mad: the threat of Corona virus, senseless killings, unhinged politics and the perverse ugliness of some who simply don’t understand. Coupled with the anxiety of the economy, worries about family and friends and personal safety. Leaders must step up in meaningful ways. Leaders must explicitly ask their colleagues and team members what they need to feel and be safe and to be valued in the workplace and beyond. They need to ask what team members need in the workplace if they are going to be successful in their work during these difficult days?
Do your team members need more information about what is going on in the community? In the industry, or in the workplace? Do they need greater flexibility in how they access the workplace in these difficult times? Do they need time to talk to others in similar situations? Do they require clearer expectations about what is expected and needed in this moment, or just the simple reassurance that you’re in this together and they can count on you.
Written by : Clayton Wilcox (CEO, Thoughts2Lead)
