'The change that we want to be in this world'

Last week I attended a conference organised by the British Psychological Society on Diversity in the workplace.

I came away feeling both inspired and motivated to continue to stride out to be in Ghandi’s words, ‘The change that we want to be in this world’

Why? Quite simply because I was reminded  that  at the end of the day we are all human and deep inside each and every one of us there is a desire to be listened to and to be valued for who we are as individuals.

I love coaching. It’s what I do and this very simple fact alone reminded me that when as coaches  create a safe space for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic [BAME] individuals to simply be and to tell their stories of hope, struggle and success we create a space that allows for the growth of the human spirit and if we are brave enough, to adopt such an approach in organisations, we enable the growth of the spirit of the organisation too!

In organisations if this approach is adopted through either coaching or mentoring programmes, we create approaches to managing diversity that allow for greater levels of success. For we are recognising that  long lasting positive change in addressing issues related to diversity can only come about when the personal is addressed alongside  both policy and procedure.

So today, as we near the end of September and move on into Black History Month, ask yourself a few simple questions:

-          What can I do to make diversity policies a living and breathing part of my workplace?

-          What role can I play in creating a safe space for the stories of BAME individuals to be heard?

-          How can my own story contribute to my organisation developing a greater understanding of diversity?