Patrick Paunganwa’s Post

As our society continues to evolve and become more diverse, the importance of inclusion in all aspects of our lives cannot be overstated. In recent years, we've seen a surge in efforts to create more inclusive environments, from workplaces to schools and communities. However, despite the best of intentions, many of these efforts fall short due to unintentional mistakes that can actually perpetuate exclusion rather than promote inclusion. In this short clip, Hira Ali provides some encouraging and practical guidance on how to recover from a misstep when it comes to inclusion. Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/d6PH4zs5 #inclusionmistakes #webinar #DEI #HR #ownit

As our society continues to evolve and become more diverse, the importance of inclusion in all aspects of our lives cannot be overstated. In recent years, we've seen a surge in efforts to create more inclusive environments, from workplaces to schools and communities. However, despite the best of intentions, many of these efforts fall short due to unintentional mistakes that can actually perpetuate exclusion rather than promote inclusion. In this short clip, Hira Ali provides some encouraging and practical guidance on how to recover from a misstep when it comes to inclusion. Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/d6PH4zs5 #inclusionmistakes #webinar #DEI #HR #ownit

The true test of diversity, equity, and inclusion is in how well each of your team members feel they can be themselves and still be a welcomed and celebrated part of the group. The old management mentality that says "in order to work here, you have to fit the mold" is thankfully dying. Yes, there are basic requirements, like attendance, respectfulness, coachability, etc. But, once you realize that each individual deserves a personalized approach, you can begin to unlock the unique skill sets, ideas, and values each person brings.

This. Is. So. Important. Especially in multicultural environments of international teams creating a sense of belonging requires intentional effort. Instead of forcing people to fit in the mold - creating an environment for them to be authentic will allow you to reap the benefits of the diversity in perspectives, experiences and opinions. Developing intercultural competence: learning to flex your work style without loosing yourself in the process is an indispensable skill. Interested in how? Book an exploration call with the link in bio in the meantime: Check out this short video by Brené Brown talking about belonging. #Diversity #Belonging #InternationalBusiness #InternationalTalent #HR #InterculturalCompetence

Genuine confidence comes from within when you are true to yourself. Seek to find your true north and your key core values and an organization that aligns with those values.

This summarizes perfectly what I believe is essential in talent acquisition: finding the right match. It doesn’t matter how much time or effort it takes, it will pay off in the long run to have a great match between the new people and the leadership and cultural values of the company they join. As obvious as it may sound: not all jobs or all companies are right for you, even if you have the right skills. Take the time to find what feels right for you. 😃

There are a plethora of reasons I am not a fan of Brene Brown - she is not particularly relevant for communities of color or newer immigrant communities or those neurodiverse or with chronic illness or… That she is “surprised” by the opposite of “#belinging” is “fitting in” reveals how little she understands of experiences of those not mainstream nor in the center of the Bell Curve but an outlier. Black women’s and girls’ hair as it naturally grows is called not fitting “professionalism” and “must” be chemically altered to “fit in.” Black women have known this all along and have lived what surprised Brene Brown. Women and men with #neurodiversity or mask their realities or communication styles to “fit in.” The same is true for #chronicillness. Personally, when, in a #medicaldirector meeting - I had been assigned the #BRCA guidelines to revise - where someone said something #ovariancancer was “the kiss of death” and later I shared I was being monitored for for an ovarian mass that could be #cancer to encourage others to be more respectful to patients and more sensitive, I was told by #HR that I had been reported to them for sharing my personal medical information that had made others “uncomfortable.” So, yes, rather than keep running afoul of HR, I shut up and fit in. Also, those of non-European heritage are rewarded for “assimilating” and “fitting in.” Authentic self what wears “ethnic” clothes, brings “smelly” “ethnic food” to work, etc are not seen as belonging. Literally, employers hire for “fit” and seek employees who fit in. HR could do everyone a favor by acknowledging that the “#professionalism” they enforce is all about fitting in to pre-set standards, that are Eurocentric https://lnkd.in/gxghhzbj , ableist, etc and not for #authenticity nor #vulnerability. It is the Brene Brown advice that misleads by suggesting employees are not expected to fit in. If you want to get positive reviews, a bonus, a raise, and keep your job: yes, your job is to fit in as HR dictates.

I love this! There is alot of talk around "Culture of Belonging" in organizations. I challenge those to think about the below. Is your organization truly creating a culture of belonging? Are your black staff & other staff of color, allowed to be their authentic selves without repercussions? Or are you asking those staff to change who they are, so they can fit into your current toxic culture? #foodforthought #DEI #culturematters

Such a powerfull reminder, especially for job seekers. So many interview tips are about assessing a future employer in order to mimick them and fit in, rather than assessing if a future employer is where you truely can belong. #foodforthought #brenebrown