🤔 “So, diversity and inclusion topic, huh?”
I had just arrived for a speaking engagement and was getting my presentation slides ready when an older white gentleman, an executive, approached me curiously. He intently looked at me and asked, “So, diversity and inclusion topic?”
I blinked and shook my head. “Just wait,” I replied.
Walking over to the dais, I drew a bell curve on the easel board and said,
“This is exactly how the performance of your employees looks right now.
You have the majority in the middle performing at an average level.
Let’s talk about how to skew this bell curve to the right.
Let’s get the majority in the middle… to perform at their peak.”
At the end of that sentence, I looked straight at the gentleman from earlier and smiled gently at his surprised look.
I am no stranger to this situation. In the two years that I have been speaking, this is a common question I get asked before speaking engagements, often by people judging the color of my skin.
After my talks, attendees sometimes say, “Wow, you surprised us with your topic there!” I smile through this, but it actually makes me sad.
People assume that a brown-skinned girl would automatically talk about diversity and inclusion. I don’t blame them. The narrative often pushes D&I as something minority groups talk about. As a brown skinned girl, I am considered a minority.
đź’ĄÂ But I am here to break that pattern.
You can call me the black sheep of the speaking community.
I talk about peak performance, flow, and results.
❌ I don’t talk about diversity.
âś… I. AM. DIVERSITY.
True diversity is when when someone who looks like me talks about topics typically discussed by an older white male.
🌟 For me, it’s my skin color. For you, it might be something else.
Maybe it’s your physical abilities, how you think, your culture, background, or your past experiences.
You thrive not in spite of your unique identity, but because of it.
So overcome your ‘Black Sheep setback’ and instead –
Use These 3 Ways to Lean into your Authentic-Self at Work
đź“š 1. Share Your Story Loudly:
Bring up personal experiences and strategies during discussions.
For instance, if you’ve had an unconventional path to success, share how it shaped your approach.
Recognize and embrace what makes your journey unique.
đź’ŞÂ 2. Showcase Unusual Strengths Boldly:
Highlight skills that aren’t commonly associated with your role.
For example, if you’re a software developer with a background in art, emphasize how your creativity enhances your problem-solving abilities.
🚀 3. Challenge Assumptions Confidently:
Speak up when you notice traditional thinking or assumptions, offering alternative perspectives.
If someone assumes a certain project won’t work because of past failures, present evidence of its potential success based on your analysis.
Embrace your individuality and confidently challenge conventional thinking.
Tips for Managers
đź’ˇMonthly:Â Host “Lunch and Learn” sessions where you all share unique worldviews and talents, fostering deeper connections. Avoid inflammatory and divisive topics.
đź’ˇQuarterly:Â Form cross-functional teams with employees outside your department to tackle common business challenges, mixing backgrounds for diverse perspectives.
Take pride in being the black sheep at work. It sets you apart!
The less crowded your playing field, the more avenues emerge for success.
You just need to stop following the herd.
Make your own rules.
Hell, make your own game!
And then excel at it. 🏆
