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Women Don't Need Saving; They Need Someone in Their Corner

Greer Campbell • March 21, 2023

In the past 5 years, advocacy has been a loud buzzword in the professional world. However, as each month of observance comes and goes, it becomes more and more clear that some, most, may be confused about what it really means to be an advocate, an ally. A relevant example? Women.


Although advocating for women in the workforce should be a year-round responsibility, it is a trending concept during the month of March, Women’s History Month. Cute photos of organization’s female leaders are highlighted on social media, historic women figures are remembered, etc. etc. etc.


But where is the action?


To begin the journey to consider yourself an advocate for women, you must first understand what it means to be an advocate. Many confuse a hero/savior mentality for advocacy, where in actuality, that mentality is just as, if not more, condemning and demeaning.


What is a “Hero/Savior” Mentality?

Individuals with Hero complexes in the workplace essentially want one thing: recognition. They want to save someone from a situation, to be able to take credit for fixing the situation. You may think, “Well where’s the harm in that? The situation is resolved”, well not quite.


Situation: Cara is a Marketing Manager at a medium sized nonprofit. After Cara pitched a new campaign, she’s worked all quarter on to her Executive Director Phil, Phil shut down every detail of her idea and demanded she give the task away to Rob, who has a lower title, less experience, and has been at the company for less time than Cara. Rob takes notice of this conversation, and take notice of Cara’s defeated, angry energy, and decided to simply usher Cara out of the room, letting her know she doesn’t have to worry about it, he will take over. 


Don’t Stand in Front of Women, Stand with Them

To be an advocate is not to be a shield. Avoiding and shutting down a conversation allows neither party to learn and grow from it. Taking the above situation, if Rob was a true advocate for his team and his female peers, he would have held the Executive Director accountable for his insensitive remarks, and reminded him of Cara’s seniority, experience, and abilities. Rob would say, “I have no problem providing Cara assistance in any way she needs, but based on Cara’s skill sets, the campaign would only benefit from her direction”.


Where Do You Begin?

Knowing how to appropriately and effectively be an ally will not come overnight. If you are feeling ashamed of your lack of advocacy and don’t know where to turn and where to start, begin by reading. Educate yourself on the experiences of the individuals you are advocating for. Have a conversation with an individual and ask, “What can I do?”. Taking initiative is the first step in creating a comfortable and equitable experience for all.

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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