Use your social network to promote equity and inclusion

If you’re looking for ways to actively champion women and people of colour, consider using a powerful tool you already have: your social network. There are two simple ways you can use your network to be a better ally and promote equity in your workplace. First, show your support by broadcasting anti-racist, anti-sexist values. Research has shown that when you post on social media, you’re reaching much farther than your immediate contacts. Little by little, you can help to create a new norm when your friends and colleagues see that you believe in and live those values. Second, empower and back up women and people of colour by actively including them in your network. Introduce them to people who they might otherwise find difficult to meet, or proactively forward opportunities that they might otherwise miss. It’s important to use your privilege to promote equity. And your social network can be effectively deployed in your anti-racism and anti-sexism efforts.

(This tip is adapted from “Use Your Social Network as a Tool for Social Justice,” by Raina Brands and Aneeta Rattan.)

Worried your boss doesn’t like you? Don’t lose hope

Your relationship with your boss can make or break your work experience. So what should you do if you suspect that your manager just doesn’t like you? Before you panic, make sure there are real differences in how the boss treats you as compared to your teammates. Some of the “signs” you may be picking up on may just be social awkwardness. But if you think you need to strengthen your connection with your boss, engage him in conversations about work issues. Notice which topics get his attention and what he seems to value. Uncovering what makes him tick will help you adapt your interactions to better fit his style. But be careful not to lay it on too thick – too much unwanted attention might cause him to withdraw even more. Finally, while you’re working on your relationship with your boss, you should also invest in other connections at your workplace. It’ll be hard for your manager to maintain a poor image of you if your colleagues think you’re a big asset to the team.

(This tip is adapted from “What to Do If Your Boss Doesn’t Like You,” by Liane Davey.)

Make things right after a microaggression

It was a throwaway remark, and you didn’t mean to offend. But now that a colleague has brought the slight to your attention, you realise what you said was hurtful. So how should you respond after committing a microaggression? First, make sure the other person feels heard. Your instinct may be to defend yourself — or your comment — but this isn’t about you. You can be a good, well-intentioned person who said something offensive. Follow your colleague’s lead in the conversation, and be curious and empathetic. Offer a sincere apology that expresses gratitude for his trust and acknowledges the impact and harm your comment caused. Say something like: “thank you for telling me. I appreciate that you trust me enough to share this feedback. I’m sorry that what I said was offensive.” Be sure to keep it short and to the point. Don’t over-apologise or try to engage your colleague in a drawn-out conversation.

(This tip is adapted from “You’ve Been Called Out for a Microaggression. What Do You Do?” by Rebecca Knight.)

How to work after a bad night’s sleep

We all know we need a good night’s sleep for the sake of our health – and our effectiveness at work. But what about when that’s just not possible? Here’s the bad news: coffee is only a temporary fix. But there are a few ways to mitigate the risks of working while sleepy. For example, try to focus on routine tasks that don’t require a lot of creativity (which is hard to muster when you’re depleted), and avoid taking on any high-stakes projects (because sleep deprivation makes you more prone to mistakes). Also, look for ways you can rely on other people. Is there anything you can delegate? Or can you ask colleagues to look over your work to catch any mistakes? If not, set aside some time to review it yourself when you’re feeling more rested. Finally, if you can, consider a nap. Even a short 20-minute rest can make a meaningful difference in your effectiveness for the rest of the day.

(This tip is adapted from “You Need More Sleep. What Should You Do If You Can’t Get It?” by Christopher M. Barnes.)

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, August 24th, 2020