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When Your Heroes Let You Down
When someone we admire disappoints us, it’s tempting to reach for an extreme reaction. Either defend them at all costs or condemn them entirely. But growing older (and wiser) usually asks something harder of us than either response. It asks for discernment. This is not an argument against heroes or role models. Human beings need…
Increased Female Representation in Congress a Byproduct of Continuous Female Rights Advocacy
In 2019, female representation in the United States Congress is higher than ever before.
Following the midterm elections last fall, a record 106 women currently hold seats in the U.S. House of Representatives – 35 of whom earned their seat for the first time – with 25 women serving in the Senate. In total, nearly 25 percent of all congressional voters are now female, marking the highest rate in U.S. History since Jeannette Rankin (R-MT) became the first woman elected to Congress in 1916.
Female inclusion in the government is an amazing aspect of the political spectrum, but the increasing prominence females are holding among society stems far beyond it. More women hold high-profile positions in the workplace and are the primary income earners for their families. More women are successful doctors, lawyers, CEOs, public leaders, media members, entertainers, artists, athletes, coaches and so on.
How to Self Promote Without Bragging
We all know that person who brags endlessly about themselves and their accomplishments. You know, the coworker who goes on and on about her recent promotion or the family member who posts photos of his brand new car on Facebook. For these individuals, self-promotion comes naturally although for most of us, talking about ourselves can be uncomfortable. Before we go into detail about self-promotion, first understand that talking about yourself and your accomplishments is a natural aspect of managing your profile and, in turn, your career. Most people cringe at the thought of having to promote themselves, particularly at work, but this needs to change. You are your greatest product, and you need to make sure you advertise your brand to the right crowd at the right times.
Creating an Inclusive Space and Safe Environment at Work
It goes without saying, diversity and inclusion are strategic organizational imperatives in today’s business landscape. There are publications, job titles, and events that illustrate the importance of these concepts. But what are some actual ways you can begin creating an inclusive and safe environment at your company?
First and foremost, your company needs to understand the relationship between diversity and inclusion. Diversity can exist at your company without inclusion, which can be difficult for some to understand. As Anna Beninger, senior director of research and corporate engagement partner at Catalyst, says, “Diversity is a fact; inclusion is a choice.” When employees do not feel they’re included, costs related to absenteeism, unproductivity and low morale can add up. Research has shown that when diversity and inclusive leadership work together, however, innovation and growth naturally occur.
When Does Hiring for “Culture Fit” Cross the Line of Discrimination?
Making the perfect hire is an art. It requires the ability to properly assess a candidate through an unbiased lens using a delicate balance of factuality and human emotion. With the company’s best interest at the forefront, three fundamental aspects come to mind when I think about what comprises the right person for the job.
- Talent: Some candidates just have the “it factor” more than others. We each hold an array of individual talents that make us who we are; such as an accountant naturally good with numbers or a writer with wordplay that easily flows from their fingertips.
- Credentials: A candidate with extensive study and training displays a proven work ethic and fundamental knowledge in the field through a rigorous ability to facilitate learning. Hard work always beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
- Experience: Extensive success in past employment positions displays consistent reliability, an ability to grow and a well-versed skill set that wholly qualifies them for the position.
Why Does Captain Marvel Matter?
Marvel’s latest box office hit, Captain Marvel, experienced an opening weekend for the ages. It not only earned positive reviews from movie critics across the globe but we witnessed moviegoers supporting the film at a rate of $153 million domestically and $455 million worldwide in its opening weekend at the box office.
But why am I writing about the most recent Marvel movie on LinkedIn? Representation is important, especially in media. This is the first solo film led by a female character released in the Marvel Cinematic Universe amongst its nearly 20 movies.
Explaining the Outrage of Blackface
By now, we have all seen the headlines.
Virginia’s Governor Ralph Northam first apologized but subsequently denied being one of two men, one in blackface, the other wearing a Ku Klux Klan robe/hood, prominently featured on his 1984 medical school yearbook page. While he denied being either individual in the image, he did admit to wearing shoe polish on his face to darken his skin to portray Michael Jackson in a dance contest.
Italian fashion brand Gucci announced a major push to step up diversity hiring as a part of a long-term strategy to build cultural awareness at the luxury fashion company following an uproar over an $890 sweater that resembles blackface.
Several celebrities — Jimmy Kimmel, Sarah Silverman, Ted Danson, and Jimmy Fallon — are under fire for their views on or poor judgment donning blackface.
Once considered acceptable stage makeup, blackface went the way of the N-word in terms of igniting controversy. At this point, we all should know that wearing blackface is offensive and wrong, but where does this practice originate from, and why is it so offensive?