By Jack Gottlieb, 4 minute read
For as far as we can remember—from the history that we learned in school, to the history that we’ve experienced within our own lives—we have seen all forms of divides and inequality that span: land, racial, political, gender, economical, societal, health, and even sibling rivalry.
Over the past few months, this may be one of the most significant periods in history where all of this has converged at the same time to create unprecedented impact which has fostered additional fears, concerns, views, and reactions that are crossing boundaries and borders not just of countries, but between provinces and states, townships, communities, neighbors, and maybe right even in your own home. While we’ve come together in some aspects, we’ve also been more divided at all levels in how we preserve and progress our communities, societies, and livelihoods.
How has this been addressed? Labels. You look at any news story and it starts with the political position of our supposed leaders (ex. left wing, right wing, blue state, red state, democratic, republican, etc.). This continues every which way possible from economic class and social structure, all the way to the insensitivity of the people that we’ve respected in sports or in media. Labeling creates a lack of clarity and a lack of alignment around something that’s more important than religion, your job or business, and more important than politics—our humanity.
A combination of dialogue and action is important. Michele Meyer-Shipp, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for KPMG says:
“It’s a critical time for organizations to proactively engage with employees and discuss these important issues—but it’s equally important to demonstrate that actions are being taken to drive real change. We need to really value and give people the opportunity to be a part of a society where they can succeed and where they can fail, where they can be the best version of themselves and not be judged in who they are but be open to who they can become.”
So, how do we approach this in the worlds in which we work? What do we each need to do right now within our organizations? Here are four powerful and simple steps for each of us to take:
VALIDATE, EVALUATE, CREATE, & ACTIVATE
1) VALIDATE
We have to first validate. To validate someone means to really acknowledge where they are coming from, who they are, where they’re going, and how they’re going about their day and their life in a way to live a life that matters. It’s not just about listening, but understanding. To really understand and then to do something with it is to validate people whereby they really know that you get them, you’re present, you’re willing, and you’re open. It’s about not making them wrong, but ensuring that they feel heard and valued. (And yes, this applies to your family, too.)
2) EVALUATE
Next is evaluate. Ask questions to get a deeper understanding. It doesn’t matter how smart you are, what you know, the background you have, the causes you’re part of, the things you funded, or how many participation trophies you have. Once you validate what people think and how they feel, we’ve got to take time to really understand what they mean further by evaluating. This includes dialogue and questions to seek a truth that isn’t based upon a political, economical, or social agenda, but something that is really just about truth. Forget the rest.
3) CREATE
Once we validate and evaluate, we need to create value. These are the words, statements, goals, plans, and actions that we are communicating, while aligning to the people you are leading and working with so that it matters to them where they build real trust in not just what you say, but what you do. You can inform and connect, but if it doesn’t create value for the relationship, the organization, or the world, it means a whole lot less than what may be intended.
4) ACTIVATE
Lastly, how do we activate what we have created so that within our organizations, teams, and communities, we are driving real change that matters to where we are today and where we want to be tomorrow? Activation is about always having 1) a dedicated focus to what we need to do and 2) the right frequency so that we make it mean something and that it's real tomorrow, next week, next month, and next quarter, and 3) the follow-through so that we are accountable to making it happen no matter what reasons and obstacles are in our way (let’s just call them excuses).
Your Action Right Now: Who in your home, at work, or in your community do you need to Validate, Evaluate, Create, & Activate with in order to truly create a world that is really clear and aligned, even if we have differences?
Stop chasing headlines and start creating context.
Stop labeling who we think people are and start really understanding who they really are.
Stop being a witness or observer and start taking ownership.
Let’s begin that now. #HumanityPeriod #EnoughIsEnough #RightNow