Do you frequently travel alone? If so, you’ve probably had any number of “single-serving” conversations with the person next to you on the plane. It’s what people do when we can’t manage to avoid eye contact effectively. Sometimes those conversations are a wonderful surprise. On my way to Charlotte, for example, the gentleman in the…
Make Diversity a Competitive Advantage for YOUR CareerOrder Your Copy Today! Is your professional network as diverse as the workforce and community around you? If not, you could be missing important opportunities for your career. We all face challenges in making meaningful connections, especially with people who differ from us in significant ways. Few of…
Author’s note: This article is adapted from my book, Network Beyond Bias. “Your Network Is Your Net Worth” You’ve probably heard that “your network is your net worth.” Let’s think about that for a moment. Your network is an investment, like your 401(k). You wouldn’t put your life savings into just one company’s stock. And…
Author’s note: This article is adapted from my book, Network Beyond Bias. In previous posts, I have explained the nature of unconscious bias and tips for breaking out of default thinking patterns. There is so much more you can do to change your perspective. If you’re ready for a new challenge, focus on changing your…
Network as Broadly as Possible In my programs on networking, I stress the importance of diversifying your professional network. This includes expanding your network beyond your current industry. The first step in assembling your CHAMP network, after all, is to build a relationship with your customer. And customers almost always work in a different industry.…
Author’s note: This article is adapted from my book, Network Beyond Bias. 7 Questions for Self-Reflection Think there’s no way you’re an office bully? Ask yourself the following questions, and answer them honestly: In the last six months, have I told someone they’re being “too sensitive” in response to something I said? Have I told…
Author’s note: This article is adapted from my book, Network Beyond Bias. Walking Away with Papercuts Before we talk about microaggressions, let’s engage in a thought experiment: Imagine for a moment that every time you interacted with a particular colleague (we’ll call them Pat), you walked away with a papercut. Every handshake, every meeting, every…
Author’s note: This article is adapted from my book, Network Beyond Bias. You don’t need to understand someone to show respect for them. Respect can be defined as “to feel or show polite or courteous responses to the wishes or judgments of others.” For trans and nonbinary individuals, respect means acknowledging and accepting their identities.…
Author’s note: This article is adapted from my book, Network Beyond Bias. What does “gender binary” mean? The term “gender binary” refers to the either/or view that people, traits, or behaviors are innately male or innately female, with no gray area in between. Gender binary constraints limit everyone’s ability to be seen for who they…
Author’s note: This article is adapted from my book, Network Beyond Bias. 7 Questions Not to Ask Trans People…And What to Ask Instead Many people are unsure how to respond when someone comes out as transgender. Here are some questions to avoid, and some better alternatives. (1) If you’re not male or female, then what…