From a pandemic to an everchanging economy, and the ongoing evolution of the workforce, adaptation, inclusion and resilience continues to be the key to economic growth for the future. With change comes opportunity, and New Brunswick companies are seeking a competitive advantage that will enable them to further embrace change, predict disruption and respond with passion and fresh ideas. This mindset is what will propel businesses through the disruptive decade ahead.
To stay ahead of the curve, leaders need to develop skills-based strategies that foster team inclusion, increase the level of engagement and be more agile in response to change.
February is Black History Month – an opportunity to foster inclusion on a deeper level.
This represents both an opportunity to engage in open dialogue and a commitment to learning more about the stories of Black communities in Canada have to talk about their histories, successes, sacrifices and triumphs.
It is easy to celebrate #blackhistorymonth on social media or corporate programming however practicing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goes beyond performative allyship. It requires us to:
Reflect – Pause and reflect on our biases, fears, beliefs, and how fast the world of work has changed.
Vision – The best teams on this planet are efficient because they take time to understand one another’s communication style, strengths and non-strengths and help one another recognize them. Acknowledge racial differences and leverage the common ground based on mutually significant traits.
Action – This requires that we honor the humanity of the people we work with and acknowledge that every voice matters! How can you engage everyone in the organization and make every voice heard?
Persist – Stay the course. It means taking responsibility to hone the behaviors, practices and processes that enable us to lead with an equitable and inclusive lens.
Let’s honor and celebrate Black culture and strength all year long – by reflecting on and reframing how we see and hold ourselves accountable. By holding space for and naming what is possible within our organizations – “what’s next?”. And by acting on what we learn. Change is possible, and it begins with you.
No matter where you live, we invite all Canadians to actively learn more about the Black communities, and how we can together continue to help shape Canadian history.