Ask the Coach - Pride Month Should Be Every Month

Ask the Coach: Pride Month Should Be Every Month

June is Pride Month and celebrations kicked into high gear throughout the month with events  being held around the world to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and the impact it has had  around the globe. 

Though we love a reason to celebrate it is also critical to recognize that Pride is much more  than rainbow flags and celebrations. Its about diversity and valuing the importance of it and  being respectful and welcoming to all communities, every day of the year. 

So how do we go about improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace? Whether a  large organization, a café, or any retail establishment. How can we exhibit an open mindedness? 

Remember it is up to us to make everyone feel welcomed and understood – but first we need  to garner an understanding of our own behaviour. 

Every business should be making sure that employees are able to bring their whole selves to  work. When your employees feel like they can be themselves, they’re likely to feel much happier and stay with your company longer. Not only is this the right thing to, but it also makes good business sense. 

So, how can you as an individual — or as a leader within your company — take steps to make  sure everyone feels welcomed and supported for who they are? 

Here are some guidelines that my clients have shared that have worked in their companies.

1.Learn about Pride Month  

Now is a perfect time to do some research and learn more about the origins of Pride month.  The Stonewall riots that took place in New York in 1969 shed invaluable light into the general  history. 

2. Make Pronouns a Priority 

Have you ever received an email with a signature containing a person’s pronouns? Pronouns  are important and using them properly conveys respect for those you’re working with.  

Including your own pronouns in introductions, on your LinkedIn, or in your email signature is a  way to normalize this practice and provide clarity as to how you want others to address you. 

When you’re interacting with folks in person, don’t be afraid to ask them for their pronouns to  be sure you’re addressing them correctly — just be sure you aren’t only asking those who don’t  look like you. 

3. Consider Your Language 

Language matters, and you should make sure that the way you speak is inclusive of everyone. 

Work to address the ways in which you may be unconsciously excluding people with your  language.  

4. Consider Your Unconscious Biases 

Unconscious biases can affect everything from the hiring decisions you make to the people you  choose to be on a certain team. However, if they’re unconscious, how can we uncover them?  

It’s important to remember everyone is constantly learning and not beat yourself up about  mistakes. If a mistake is made, you should take steps to address it, outline how you will do  better next time, and then move forward. 

5.Diversify Your Content Consumption 

If your social media following exclusively consists of people who look and think just like you,  you’re not gaining new perspectives. Look for content and accounts run by people of diverse  backgrounds, who believe different things than you, can help you see the world through a new  lens.  

Remember change is difficult, and it doesn’t happen overnight. But if you truly want to work  toward inclusivity in your business, taking just one of these steps today is a step in the right  direction.  

If you have questions about this article or any of the content, feel free to send me a note. 

Best,  

Merrill (she/her) 

We have the pleasure of joining forces with Merrill Pierce, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by Corporate Coach U, and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). She is also an accredited member of Society of Organizational Learning (SOL), and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediator certified by the ADR Institute of Canada.

Merrill has spent over 20 years working at a number of Fortune 500 companies, of which 10 years were at the senior executive level. This background provides her with a solid and practical understanding of personal and professional issues, challenges, and concerns. Merrill is also a regular contributor to the media and has published several articles and white papers on business related topics.

Merrill is ready to tackle YOUR questions! Whether they are personal, or professional - she can anonymously answer your submissions, and help you navigate any relevant challenges occurring in your life. Doing so could help others in similar situations and scenarios. Merrill will also be presenting advice on relevant, general topics to help our readers. If you want to send a question to Merrill, please submit to submissions@explorefenelonfalls.com before the Monday of each week (otherwise your question may be held til a following week!).