All of us have had an experience when we have felt judged on something we couldn’t control such as our age, gender, race, upbringing, the list goes on.
In today’s rapidly changing global landscape, fostering diversity, equity and inclusion has become imperative for businesses seeking growth and success. I believe we need more than compliance with regulations through training, and hiring diverse talent. To create lasting change, we need a shift in awareness around mindset and behavior.
One promising avenue to cultivate this desired culture is through coaching employees to understand themselves and recognize their power which leads to empathy and understanding towards their colleagues as fellow human beings.
Coaching employees to understand themselves is a foundational step to creating change. Self-awareness allows individuals to recognize their biases, assumptions and blind spots, which are often unconscious barriers to fostering an inclusive environment. Through introspection and guided self-discovery, employees can confront their own preconceptions and begin to dismantle them. When individuals acknowledge and confront their biases, they can better understand others to actively embrace diversity and challenge stereotypes.
Self-understanding helps employees recognize their unique strengths, perspectives and contributions. This realization can empower employees to bring their authentic selves to work which promotes an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusivity. Recognizing that everyone’s experiences and journeys are different, enables a deeper appreciation of each other as
human beings.
When individuals recognize their own power, they are more likely to become advocates for change. They understand that their actions, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on the workplace culture. This empowerment encourages employees to actively challenge discrimination, microaggressions and exclusionary behaviors. Recognizing personal power encourages individuals to use their influence to amplify underrepresented voices, champion inclusive practices and drive meaningful conversations around diversity.
Understanding oneself and our power is not an end but a means to larger goals: fostering empathy and human connection. Empathy is the cornerstone of effective communication and collaboration. When individuals appreciate their own complexities and vulnerabilities, they become more attuned to the experiences and feelings of others.
Coaching employees to understand their power in the context of diversity, equity and inclusion, encourages them to engage in authentic conversations. These conversations enable individuals to share their unique stories, struggles and triumphs. Such exchanges facilitate a deeper connection among colleagues, creating an environment of mutual respect and trust.
As employees begin to open up to each another, they begin to see beyond superficial differences and recognize their shared humanity. This realization forms the bedrock of a truly inclusive workplace whereby individuals genuinely care for and support one another. Through this process, biases are challenged, stereotypes are shattered and genuine understanding emerges.
As organizations strive to create environments where every individual feels valued, respected and heard, investing in coaching and self-understanding initiatives is not just an ethical imperative, but a strategic one. By tapping into their own power, employees become champions of change, advocates for inclusivity and allies for those who have historically been marginalized, collectively propelling their organizations toward a brighter future—one where diversity is celebrated, equity is a reality and inclusion is not just a goal, but a way of being.
Abby Gorman, the owner and founder of Symplexi Employee Development, started her career over two decades ago in the Newspaper industry where she dedicated herself to cultivating and nurturing robust teams. Throughout her professional journey, Abby recognized the immense value of empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Driven by her unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth, she embarked on her own transformative path, becoming a certified life, development and trauma-informed coach. With a wealth of life and business experience, Abby has merged her expertise and collaborates with companies to grow and empower their teams.
Abby Gorman, the owner and founder of Symplexi Employee Development, started her career over two decades ago in the Newspaper industry where she dedicated herself to cultivating and nurturing robust teams. Throughout her professional journey, Abby recognized the immense value of empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Driven by her unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth, she embarked on her own transformative path, becoming a certified life, development and trauma-informed coach. With a wealth of life and business experience, Abby has merged her expertise and collaborates with companies to grow and empower their teams.
