Become a More Inclusive Colleague

 

Become a More Inclusive Colleague

It’s not just leaders who impact the culture on a team. Peers have the power to include or exclude other individuals, and research has shown that the exercise of that power can make a meaningful difference to work performance. In other words, we all help define what it means to work in an inclusive workplace. Here are three small ways you can make a difference on your team. (1) Offer a helping hand. Look for opportunities to provide your colleagues with key information or training, make introductions to new contacts (especially mentors), and give endorsements in meetings. (2) Demonstrate care about non-work issues. Show personal interest in your coworkers' family lives, hobbies, pets — whatever matters to them outside of the workplace. And if an opportunity arises to provide support, be ready to offer it. (3) Create in-person connections when possible. If you have a chance to walk to a meeting with your colleague, or to go grab an in-person meal or coffee, take it.

This tip is adapted from “3 Small Ways to Be a More Inclusive Colleague,” by Juliet Bourke