In 1500 words or less, each post will give you something you can use TODAY to build yourself, your people and your organization whether your organization is a "for-profit" or a "not-for-profit."
High performing teams are often desired by most organizations; however, it is remarkable how few of these organizations take the time to put all of the building blocks for success in place. Effective organizational dynamics and “how” teams function doesn’t happen by accident. Creating an inclusive and evolving “team charter” should be one of the first “building blocks” all organizations have on their “to do” list.
We notice the ramps, the braille on some washroom signs, we all sometimes use the power door options when we have large items to get through doors, but do we notice the places that aren’t accessible?
More than 20 years legislation became law that guaranteed accessibility standards for people who live with barriers and disabilities. The law promised action. It has been hit or miss, there have been some improvements, but not enough. We need to ask ourselves are we compliant or are we complicit? We also need to advocate and take action.
Have you ever tried to get into a building but couldn’t open the door? Have you ever needed immediate assistance only to be told you will have to go on a waiting list for six months or more? Have you ever wanted a job but didn’t get it knowing that you were not considered, not because you couldn’t do the job, but because of someone’s bias you weren’t given a chance?
In Canada everyone has the right to employment, but it is far from a “level playing field;” people who live with barriers, including disabilities have to work harder to achieve their wins, they often lose, occasionally tie, and have to find ways to make progress and achieve a measure of victory.
In this, part 2 of 2, I hope to illuminate more of the barriers, the challenges, and to help dispel the myths and biases to help people who live with barriers and disabilities to achieve their employment goals.
We need your awareness and your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
I work assisting people who are experiencing barriers to employment overcome them and find jobs that either accomplish their goals or take them to the next step on their individual journeys.
My role as a coach and mentor constantly reminds me of the lessons shared with me during my career, this post is the next chapter on “lessons learned” from my November 24th post.
I am writing this on a Saturday. I did two hours of work today and two hours last night. I have already worked many hours over my allotted workdays this week. It is unlikely I […]
When you or your organization goes looking for new people, what do you see? Do you see everyone who could meet or exceed your requirements? Do you include people from different backgrounds, ethnicity, cultures, people who experience barriers to employment. Hiring people is about seeing people without bias, misconceptions; it is about seeing the humanity behind the cover letter or resume.
I was involved in Human Resources for most of may career, I made mistakes; but with help I learned some lessons that might help you and your team.
Organizations experience major and minor ailments just like people do. Many are the result of external pressures; however, some like “Meeting Narcolepsy” are internally generated. Left undiagnosed and/or untreated these ailments can limit growth, cause decline, and even cause the organization to “die.”
This past week I attended a meeting where some people were lamenting that their new hires didn’t have a good work ethic and they seemed not to know how to function. Their comments inspired this post because “work ethic” is a learned skill and knowing what and how “to work” is also something that organizations should teach rather than assume.
I began as a good manager but a poor leader. I benefited from good mentors and people who believed in my potential and through hard work, and many missteps, I have become a better manager and a good leader. In a small way, I hope this post repays their faith and helps you.
Success does not result from a single action, success is the cumulative result of hundreds of small intricate actions and decisions; but most importantly success comes from treating your people well.
We all want to make a difference, from the most senior to the most junior, the need has never been greater. Use this as a starting point for your own contribution, add/subtract as you wish, but please start now.