So many thoughts about this post (in agreement!) but wanted to leave a comment about how much I appreciated you being a leader I could go to with my vulnerabilities for support and guidance. You’re a gem in the world, Kat. Thanks for being you and sharing your wisdom - and also for being that safe space for people to be vulnerable.
Thank you for taking a moment to read and respond, Kristen! You modeled that kind of vulnerability for me, too. Thank you for being an example of what it means to show up honestly, and still bring your best to the moment, even when it's not the moment you wished for.
Yes, 1000x yes. Working in diversity, equity, and inclusion as a comms leader in the past, I've partnered with equity and inclusion leaders to think through this very conundrum. We can say "you're welcome here," but are you in practice? I've shaped messaging and programs that specifically encouraged vulnerability and watched in horror as people took the challenge and were told various tropic things like "you're too passionate." In the end, as you point out, vulnerability and authenticity at work is a personal assessment and balance. Everyone has the right to chart their own course, and organizations should focus on building an inclusive workplace in practice rather than forcing their people to build from the ground up.
So many thoughts about this post (in agreement!) but wanted to leave a comment about how much I appreciated you being a leader I could go to with my vulnerabilities for support and guidance. You’re a gem in the world, Kat. Thanks for being you and sharing your wisdom - and also for being that safe space for people to be vulnerable.
Thank you for taking a moment to read and respond, Kristen! You modeled that kind of vulnerability for me, too. Thank you for being an example of what it means to show up honestly, and still bring your best to the moment, even when it's not the moment you wished for.
Yes, 1000x yes. Working in diversity, equity, and inclusion as a comms leader in the past, I've partnered with equity and inclusion leaders to think through this very conundrum. We can say "you're welcome here," but are you in practice? I've shaped messaging and programs that specifically encouraged vulnerability and watched in horror as people took the challenge and were told various tropic things like "you're too passionate." In the end, as you point out, vulnerability and authenticity at work is a personal assessment and balance. Everyone has the right to chart their own course, and organizations should focus on building an inclusive workplace in practice rather than forcing their people to build from the ground up.
I thought of you quite a lot while writing this one. You have always been a great model of what inclusion in practice looks like.
You too, Kat! It's a journey for sure.