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Refreshing and Recharging

Beatrice Wake • January 17, 2023

Welcome to 2023 and welcome back to the office – you’re a whole new refreshed and recharged you! Or, at least, you’ve resolved to be. If your resolution is to be more effective and efficient at work or to learn something new about people and history, you’re in luck: We’ve got a cheat sheet that shows you a little bit of everything.

 

Give a few of these suggestions a shot and you’ll be on your way to nailing those resolutions and learning more about yourself and others. Enjoy!

 

1.    1TV 2 | All That We Share – YouTube

 

We live in a time where we quickly put people in boxes. Maybe we have more in common than what we think? Introducing All That We Share, a social experiment from Denmark that brings light to the fact that, on the inside, some of us are more similar that we may realize.


One of my co-workers shared this clip during our most recent “Lunch & Learn” and I found it too eye opening and beautiful not to share. It's a brilliant concept to visualize the divisions based on physical and perceived differences and most importantly, it's great how it makes the point of uniting everyone together. We're just one big family regardless of race, gender, belief, or sexuality.


All That We Share Video

 

2.    Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

 

Will Guidara’s hospitality extends beyond those who dine at his restaurant. With Guidara’s guidance and expertise, his own team has learned to deliver praise and criticism with intention. This book answers the question of why some of the most pernicious business dilemmas is to give more, not less, and highlights the magic that can happen when a busser starts thinking like an owner.

I have read many great books over the last 3 decades. But only the best of the best make it into my core book list, and the best of those become core values. Unreasonable Hospitality is one of those core value books. I consumed this audible book in hours and then bought the hard copy for myself. My book club is doing a professional book study that works to apply the principles and lessons we learn to create an even better “Unreasonable Hospitality” in leadership development for ourselves that will spill over in what we do at work. I have a big (dare I say, “unreasonable”) goal for our group like the author did for his and know that applying “Unreasonable Hospitality” to it will help make it happen in 2023!



3.    Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. – Brené Brown


In this book, Brené Brown uses research, stories, and true-to-life examples to answer questions in the no-BS style that millions of readers have come to admire. Brown writes,

 

“One of the most important findings of my career is that daring leadership is a collection of four skill sets that are 100 percent teachable, observable, and measurable. It’s learning and unlearning that requires brave work, tough conversations, and showing up with your whole heart. Easy? No. Because choosing courage over comfort is not always our default. Worth it? Always. We want to be brave with our lives and our work. It’s why we’re here.”

 

Whether you’ve read Daring Greatly or Rising Strong, or you are new to Brown’s work, this book is for anyone who wants to step up an take on brave leadership.

 

4.    Barracoon – Zora Neale Hurston (Author), Robin Miles (Audiobook Narrator)

 

I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time. Two other co-workers of mine have read this and told me that they both learned a great deal. It is very short read (just under 4 hours if you like audible) telling story of Cudjo Lewis’s hardships during his kidnapping from Africa and transport to post-bellum America. His journey included a long stay in the barracoons before boarding a large ship for an illegal trans-Atlantic crossing into slavery. Lewis’s story depicts the violence and racism faced by the Africans who struggled to make their home in America. There are several appendices at the end of the book, some including African folktales as related by Lewis to the author from his childhood. Do not miss the essay by Alice Walker, Finding Zora Neale Hurston, which is re-printed in its entirety. This moving piece adds so much texture to Hurston’s last years.

 

I hope that these suggestions allow you to dive into something new and enlightening in 2023. It is always a positive to share new perspectives and experiences with others, so don’t be afraid to share enlightening books, articles, performances, and opportunities that you have found with your networks in the New Year!

Making Change: Black History Month 2025

By Greer Campbell • February 12, 2025
While we are only 2 months into 2025, it may feel we’ve lived many lifetimes already. February is Black History Month, and this year it is essential to celebrate and support leaders and people of influence more than ever. As media coverage and information continue to grow at the tip of our fingers, it’s easy to feel that being just one person, you can’t make a huge difference for huge causes, but that is not the case. As professionals, every year we meet with our team, with our supervisors, and focus on goal setting. One major suggestion when entering this planning stage, has always been to set achievable goals. Don’t create chaos in your mind trying to achieve an unachievable goal, our supervisors tell us. The same goes for support change and community. You don’t have to be a major donor to a cause, or a legislator, decision-maker to be the change you want to see. Black history month is and always has been essential to education and honoring stories and perspectives of those that paved the way for communities of the present and future. Below, we’ve outlined ways to be an ally and support Black History Month this month, and every month after. Shop Local, Black Owned Businesses Small businesses thrive off community support. Individual care and attention go into each service and product a local business produces. So, next time you need a coffee on the go, a brunch spot to meet your friends, a new work outfit, or a concert for your next weekend outing, do a google search of black owned businesses around you, try it out, and refer your friends. Educate Yourself Did you know it was a black woman, Marie Van Brittan Brown, that invented the first home security system, which included a camera, peepholes, and a two-way communication system? Or a black man, Garrett Morgan, who invented the 3-light traffic light? Many life changing and saving innovations are credited to people of color, specifically African American people. Doing research and educating yourself on black leaders and people of influence can continue the knowledge and support of the black community, and further the narrative that teams and ideas flourish under diverse perspectives. Volunteer Act, to make change. Research organizations and causes that support racial justice, social equality, and community development. Join groups that work together to support community and engage your skill sets to work together and make a change. Ask the Questions, Use Your Voice See something, say something. If you see a coworker experiencing discrimination, call it out. If your organization is not operating inclusively, set a meeting with your manager to start the conversation. For more information on causes to support, where to start, and how to make change, contact Diverse Talent.

Goal-Setting for Leaders: Embracing 2025 with Purpose

By Greer Campbell • January 8, 2025
As the New Year kicks off, leaders are invited to take time to redefine aspirations for personal and professional growth. Goal setting as a leader helps to push forth an environment of accountability and ambition within teams. By embracing SMART goals ( S pecific M easurable A chievable R elevant T ime-bound) leaders provide strategy and achievable goals that resonate with evolving demands of 2025. If you are finding yourself drawing a blank in beginning the stages of goal setting for 2025, see below for a guide and items to consider adding to your spread: Begin by reflecting on the past year. What went well? What challenges arose? What needs to be discontinued? Identifying achievements and problem areas from the previous year can help in defining where to focus in the new year. This reflective process lays the groundwork for future successes. Connect with different teams and lead discussions to gain all perspectives of previous work, with a clear understanding of past performance and data. Engage your Team. When charting the course for the company’s future, engaging the team in thoughtful dialogue to gather invaluable feedback about ongoing projects and programs helps leaders understand not only what has fueled the organization’s successes, but also what challenges remain. True growth stems not only from pursuing high targets, but also from embracing diverse perspectives and insights from your team. Set Accountability Measures. Once your goals are set, it’s imperative to continue check ins and maintain accountability throughout the year. Scheduling 360 reviews with your teams s not just a procedural obligation, but an essential practice to ensure everyone feels encouraged to receive and give feedback and gain valuable insights that can shape the professional development of the team. Moreover, continuing the refinement of established goals is vital for maintaining focus and direction. As your team engages in regular discussions about their objectives, it facilitates a dynamic process of assessment and adjustment. This ongoing refinement not only ensures that everyone remains aligned with the overall vision but also fosters individual accountability, making each team member a crucial part of the larger mission. Continue your Leadership Education and Professional Development. Continued education is at the forefront for continued success of your individual position and company. Sharpen your leadership skills and ensure you’re up to date on how to effectively lead your team with online or in person programs. Diverse Talent’s DT University is a virtual, 6-session course focused on refining leadership qualities and skills. Meet with a mentor each week and learn through facilitated conversations and workshops to enhance your leadership abilities. For more information, contact us at DT@diverse-talent.com , or visit our website at www.diverse-talent.com .
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