Nominated by Hyatt for my Values in Exemplifying Inclusion
This week I was nominated by Hyatt for my values in how I exemplify inclusion. As part of Hyatt’s Living our Values video series, they invited leaders to nominate members of their teams who embody their values and supporting behaviors. Hyatt defines inclusion as the below.
Inclusion is critical to creating a space where colleagues feel they can be themselves – where they are supported, respected, and valued for who they are and their unique contributions to Hyatt. When we create a more inclusive environment, we encourage more creativity, collaboration and success for the Hyatt family and our communities.
So they asked the nominee’s to create a short video sharing what inclusion means to us. The images are screen shots from the video and I shared my portion of the video via Instagram. Even though I can’t show the full video, I can share the script I wrote for myself.
Most of my professional corporate life I’ve experienced environments that may have provided access, but it’s always been access to their culture where I was expected to conform. If I wasn’t able to confirm to their monolithic cultural expectations, then I ran the risk of being excluded from opportunities or worse.
I know what it feels like for my existence to increase diversity metrics but also feel like the outlier, exception, different – and not for the right reasons.
Integrating inclusivity into our work is a step towards making individuals feel valuable for their differences and part of the whole – not apart from the whole.
How I practice inclusivity every day is a 7-step process:
Attitude
Inquire
Observe
Learn
Process
Communicate
Act (Opportunities)
I have an internal dialogue starting with answering the question, how I am holding myself responsible to communicate with my peers, listen to what makes them feel valued for their individuality, and find opportunities to improve their work experience so they feel embraced?
I don’t assume knowledge of someone’s identity, physical needs, or their personal journey. I ask them appropriate questions and build trust based on a genuine interest in knowing who they are and learn how I can authentically be of service.
I hope the above inspires you to be more inclusive and share your stories where you can. Let me know your thoughts. Start sharing here.