Do you know what the number one micro-aggression against women is in the workplace? Being talked over. Believe me, I have experienced and witnessed it all too often.
So what can we all do about this? How do we actively advocate for underrepresented people at work and make them feel included? Many of us understand that inclusion is important, but how do we use our privilege, be that the colour of our skin or our leadership position, to advocate for the under-represented?
My friend Jeffery Tobias Halter joined the Greatness podcast to discuss "active male engagement in advancing women" and advocacy for all underrepresented groups. As Jeffery states, men are 75% of leadership in most companies and are 75% of the solution in advancing women and underrepresented groups. Jeffery started his organization 15 years ago because he realized men may want to help but don't know what to do on a daily basis.
One of Jeffery's suggestions - go out and ask someone who is different from you about their lived experience at work. Have a "listening conversation". It may feel uncomfortable, but these conversations are critical to creating understanding and empathy.
Another suggestion - download this podcast and listen to it in a team meeting; then have the conversation.
Jeffery has many free tools on his website - https://ywomen.biz/free-tools/ - and I would encourage each of you to check these out!