Want to truly succeed? Lift others up while you climb | The Way We Work, a TED series

TL;DR

Learn how to create a more diverse and inclusive work environment by questioning your surroundings, aiming for sponsorship instead of mentorship, and passing on opportunities for others.

Transcript

Transcriber: Leslie Gauthier Reviewer: When it comes to our careers, the analogy we've been given is a ladder. We're climbing, climbing, climbing, seeing just how high we can get. But if we want to be a part of organizations that are diverse and inclusive and truly reflect the world that we live in, that's simply not enough. While we climb, we als... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌟 Representation matters in leadership positions. Companies and organizations with diverse leadership teams are more effective, innovative, and profitable. We need more women, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, and queer and trans individuals in leadership roles.
• 👥 Everyone has a role to play in creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Whether you are a member of an underrepresented group or not, it's important to lift others up and support their advancement.
• 🔎 Question your surroundings and examine who is and isn't represented at the table. If you notice disparities, speak up and address the issue. Calling out inequities is the first step towards creating change.
• 💡 Aim for sponsorship over mentorship. Sponsorship involves using your privilege, power, and position to give opportunities to those who have been traditionally excluded. Help others succeed and promote their work to senior leaders.
• 🚀 Pass on the chance for glory. Create opportunities for those who are often overlooked. Offer your seat on a panel to someone with bold ideas but who may be marginalized. Share your institutional knowledge and help prepare others for success.
• 💪 It's on the leadership to set goals and metrics for equitable hiring, but everyone can contribute to inclusion and celebrating others. Partner with someone who doesn't share your identities on a project and amplify the work of your colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• 🌍 If your journey in inclusion feels easy, you haven't done enough. Hold on to the feeling of pride and accomplishment, but also recognize that there is always more work to be done. Lifting others up is a difficult but essential task.
• ✨ Success is no longer about individual ambitions, but about building something greater together. Our power and success mean nothing if we leave others behind. Embrace the spirit of lifting while you climb and create a more equitable future.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it important for organizations to have diverse leadership teams?

It is important for organizations to have diverse leadership teams because they are more effective, innovative, and profitable. Representation of various communities within leadership positions ensures that different perspectives and experiences are considered, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving.

Q: What role can individuals play in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

Regardless of their position or background, individuals can play a role in promoting diversity and inclusion by questioning their surroundings, challenging disparities, and advocating for change. They can actively engage in conversations about diversity, interrupt biases and stereotypes, and create opportunities for underrepresented individuals within their organizations.

Q: How does sponsorships differ from mentorships in advancing diversity?

While mentorships provide guidance and advice to individuals, sponsorships go a step further by using one's privilege, position, and power to actively create opportunities for traditionally excluded individuals. Sponsors not only offer support but also advocate for their protégés, ensure their work is recognized, and help them break through barriers.

Q: How can individuals contribute to creating opportunities for others within their organizations?

Individuals can contribute to creating opportunities for others by passing on chances for personal glory and uplifting their colleagues. This can be done by offering seats on panels, presenting with underrepresented individuals, passing on leadership responsibilities, and sharing institutional knowledge. By actively involving and celebrating others, individuals can help foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace environment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Representation in leadership teams is lacking in diversity, which hinders effectiveness, innovation, and profitability.

• We should question our surroundings and actively address disparities, such as interruptions during meetings, to promote inclusivity.

• Sponsorship, using privilege and power to give opportunities, and passing on chances for glory can help create opportunities and uplift marginalized individuals in organizations.