Inclusion – Page 5 – Building Bridges Leadership

“There is No Such Thing as a Safe Space”

This week, two horrific videos were released to the public: the first, bodycam footage showing the violent hammer attack on Paul Pelosi – husband of former House speaker Nancy Pelosi – in his home; the second, the violent beating by police of 29 year-old Tyre Nichols during a routine traffic stop, resulting in his deathContinue reading ““There is No Such Thing as a Safe Space””

Can Hybrid Meetings Really be Inclusive?

Meetings are a staple of office life. They play a key role in decision making, and their place in workplace culture is secure. Even in the height of the Covid pandemic when so much of what we thought was fundamental to work got flipped upside-down, meetings still happened – they just took a different form,Continue reading “Can Hybrid Meetings Really be Inclusive?”

A Place to Belong – Holding the Vision Alongside the Reality

When you are at your most comfortable, what does this look like for you? For some of us, this involves being in a particular place – for example, your home, your car, or your childhood town. For others, this is when you’re doing something in particular – speaking to a friend, reading a book, doingContinue reading “A Place to Belong – Holding the Vision Alongside the Reality”

If Microaggressions Were Mosquito Bites

It’s the time of year when mosquitos are out in force where I live in New England. And mosquitos love me. Much more than I love them. At any one point during late Summer I can have dozens of mosquito bites on my body. And while I’ve been telling people for years that it’s becauseContinue reading “If Microaggressions Were Mosquito Bites”

“Teach Me Your Name”

In a few different workshop settings over the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to take part in variations of the same activity. Whether in a group or in a partnership, each person has the chance to “teach me your name.” This starts off as a simple exercise in sharing your full name andContinue reading ““Teach Me Your Name””

Some Do’s & Don’ts of Celebrating Black History Month at Work

Each February, Black History Month celebrates the contributions, achievements, history and culture of African Americans throughout the history of the United States. Originally a weeklong celebration planned to correlate with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass (February 12th and 14th), what was known as “Negro History Week” grew over time into what we knowContinue reading “Some Do’s & Don’ts of Celebrating Black History Month at Work”

“We Don’t Talk About Bruno (No No No)” – What Disney’s ‘Encanto’ Might Have to Offer Your Team

If you enjoy the work of Lin-Manuel Miranda (or you have children in your house who devour Disney movies) you may be familiar with Disney’s latest animated movie; their 60th, Encanto. Following the viewpoint character of Mirabel – the only member of the family Madrigal not to receive the gift of a magical talent –Continue reading ““We Don’t Talk About Bruno (No No No)” – What Disney’s ‘Encanto’ Might Have to Offer Your Team”

When Did You Last Say “I Was Wrong”?

Think of a time you’ve been in a position of authority. A common feeling in those circumstances is feeling like you were expected to know it all, worrying when you don’t, and faking it to show strength and stability for those you are managing. Faking it can work well in a lot of situations, butContinue reading “When Did You Last Say “I Was Wrong”?”

“Less” or “Fewer”? What Does “Correcting” Language and Grammar Do?

“I think you mean fewer, not less.” “It should be compared with, not compared to…” When’s the last time you remember someone correcting your language or grammar? How often have you had this experience as an adult? Perhaps you use a cultural vernacular which seems to generate a particular reaction in your work community. IfContinue reading ““Less” or “Fewer”? What Does “Correcting” Language and Grammar Do?”

Poison Ivy Privilege

In New England, where I live now, poison ivy is commonplace. But in the UK, where I grew up, there is none. So unlike many New Englanders, I didn’t grow up with regular exposure to poison ivy; nor did I grow up looking out for it, or being able to identify it with a “leavesContinue reading “Poison Ivy Privilege”