by Cortina Jenelle | Apr 20, 2023 | blog, business, deib, facilitation, imagination
Over the years, I have had conversations with many business and nonprofit leaders as they are in the trenches and seeking to engage the Black, indigenous, persons of color (BIPOC) population as their grants compel them to do. Gaps in engagement and participation in programming by the BIPOC community point to a lack of trust, or more importantly, a lack of relationship with the BIPOC community that the grants are written on behalf of. Engaging authentically is paramount if nonprofit leaders want to engage in a space of empathy and mutual aid as opposed to sympathy and charity.
NURTURE A CONNECTION THROUGH APPRECIATION
For nonprofit leaders aiming to foster a deeper connection with the Black community, a thoughtful and multifaceted approach is necessary. Firstly, it is pivotal to comprehend the historical and cultural context surrounding the Black community. This entails educating oneself about the historical experiences and significant contributions of the Black community both regionally and globally. It is equally important to recognize the nuances and the rich diversity within the Black community, understanding that it is not a monolithic group. Cultivating a deep appreciation for the vibrant cultural heritage while avoiding stereotyping and assumptions is an essential part of this process.
SPARK CONVERSATIONS
Next, embarking on the path of meaningful dialogue is key. This can be facilitated through community meetings where individuals can express their viewpoints and concerns, thereby fostering open conversations. Additionally, establishing channels for community members to offer feedback and suggestions on initiatives will further enhance collaboration. Collaborative efforts, including forming partnerships with existing organizations within the Black community and involving community representatives in planning and decision-making processes, can help in aligning the initiatives more closely with the community’s needs and aspirations.
CELEBRATE CULTURES
Showcase and celebrate the rich diversity within the Black community. Organize cultural events and promote the arts and heritage through various platforms to celebrate diversity. Collaborative celebrations, such as working with community groups to organize events and showcasing stories of individuals making positive impacts, can serve to amplify the sense of community and celebration.
IMPLEMENT + ITERATE
As nonprofit leaders navigate this journey, continuous learning and adaptation should be at the forefront. Reflect regularly on the outcomes of your initiatives, learning and adapting from experiences. Establish a feedback loop with the community to continually refine and enhance your approaches. Be prepared to adapt strategies based on insights gained from engagements and stay responsive to the evolving dynamics and needs within the community.
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by Cortina Jenelle | Mar 21, 2023 | blog, business, creative coach, entrepreneurs, facilitation, imagination, liberation
In the last decade, the professional landscape has witnessed a profound transformation characterized by the rise of remote work modalities. This shift, indeed a significant one, has necessitated a recalibration of team-building strategies and protocols within organizations globally. We have learned how to push based the work-life balance agenda and arrive into a work-life blend.
As someone who often gets called into team-building spaces, I have observed that the integration of remote work within organizational structures has brought forth an enhanced level of flexibility and individual autonomy. Now more than ever, employees are now afforded the opportunity to design their work schedules in a manner that aligns with their personal productivity patterns, fostering a heightened sense of freedom but also, a responsibility and personal ownership over their tasks.
While it’s exciting to have doors open in a global way, this transition has not been without its set of challenges. The detachment inherent in remote work settings has, to a certain extent, diminished the spontaneous interpersonal connections that were the hallmark of traditional office environments. These casual interactions, often undervalued, were vital in nurturing creativity and fostering a collegial atmosphere. Certainly even some of my favorite co-working spaces design around those “water cooler”, “kitchen counter” conversations that could spontaneously spark creativity and collaboration from the tiniest of seeds. The digital medium, despite its many advantages, can sometimes fail to replicate the warmth and camaraderie that physical offices facilitate naturally. So how do we build robust, dynamic teams in a remote environment?
In response to these challenges, the role of team-building has assumed greater significance. The focus has now pivoted towards the development and implementation of virtual team-building initiatives that aim to bridge the gap exacerbated by physical distance. These endeavors, which include virtual coffee breaks, online recreational activities, and remote team retreats, serve as a catalyst in preserving team cohesion and fostering a vibrant organizational culture, even virtually.
It’s not just the physical environment has changed. The massive re-evaluation of leadership communication strategies is underway right along with going remote. Leaders are now tasked with fostering transparency and maintaining regular engagement with team members to ensure alignment of goals and sustained motivation levels. This paradigm shift calls for a strategic reassessment to facilitate a culture that promotes inclusivity and collaborative efforts, even from afar.
In my opinion, the more balanced, autonomous approach and the benefits it could add to personal well-being and happiness means that remote work may be here to stay. It has introduced a dynamic interplay of autonomy and flexibility, while simultaneously compelling teams to innovate in their bonding and collaborative strategies. Certainly this decade from 2020 onwards will be marked by evolutionary growth and adaptation. As facilitators or leaders of any kind, our role is to guide organizations in navigating these changing dynamics, crafting a work culture that resonates with the evolving needs and expectations of the modern workforce. How are you making that work for you?
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by Cortina Jenelle | Feb 19, 2023 | blog, business, deib, facilitation
In contemporary work environments, cultivating a culture steeped in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) principles is not only beneficial but essential. Nonprofit professionals all over the country are evaluating how, or if, their current workplace environment embraces DEIB. Although there is no cookie-cutter method for how to implement DEIB, a workplace that actively promotes employee well-being, happiness, and advancement are great signs of a healthy environment.
Let’s take it a step at a time.
First, it is vital to understand and internalize DEIB principles fully. This process begins with fostering education and awareness through regular workshops and training programs aimed at enhancing employees’ understanding of DEIB. Collaborating with experts to deepen the grasp of DEIB principles can provide a rich, well-rounded perspective. Furthermore, encouraging introspection within the workplace is key. Employees should be urged to examine their own biases and perspectives critically. Facilitating open dialogues where individuals can share experiences and insights can be a transformative exercise, fostering understanding and empathy.
The second step involves the meticulous implementation of DEIB-focused policies. During the recruitment phase, efforts should be directed towards attracting a diverse talent pool that reflects various backgrounds and experiences. Instituting a bias-free selection process can be instrumental in achieving this. Additionally, emphasis should be placed on employee development, promoting career progression for all, especially those from underrepresented groups. Introducing mentorship programs can play a pivotal role in nurturing diverse talents and fostering a sense of community and support.
Moving forward, fostering an inclusive environment is of paramount importance. This includes nurturing a workplace culture that encourages the use of inclusive language and the creation of safe spaces where employees can express themselves without fear of judgment. Flexible work policies can also be a vital aspect of this inclusive environment. Offering options like remote work and advocating for a healthy work-life balance can cater to the diverse needs of the workforce, promoting overall well-being.
After that foundation is laid, adopting a stance of continuous evaluation and improvement can further enhance the effectiveness of DEIB initiatives. This involves establishing channels for employees to provide feedback on existing initiatives and conducting regular surveys to gauge the experiences and perspectives of employees. Utilizing data-driven approaches, like data analysis, can aid in measuring the success of DEIB initiatives, allowing for necessary adjustments based on insights gleaned from the data.
Finally, a concerted effort must be made to promote a sense of belonging and well-being within the organization. Community-building initiatives such as team-building activities can foster a strong sense of community and belonging. Establishing support networks where employees can find assistance and guidance can be a comforting addition. Moreover, introducing well-being initiatives like mental health support and wellness programs can significantly contribute to the physical and mental well-being of employees.
By thoroughly integrating DEIB principles into every facet of an organization, it is possible to create a workplace that is not only inclusive and equitable but also fulfilling, supportive and productive. This gets us one step closer to an environment fosters a high level of well-being, happiness, and advancement for all employees, setting the stage for a harmonious and progressive organizational culture.
Photo by Miles Peacock on Unsplash
by Cortina Jenelle | Nov 4, 2022 | blog, business, creative coach, entrepreneur coach, entrepreneurs, imagination, sovereignty
Business insurance is an essential tool for building wealth and protecting the assets of a company. In today’s unpredictable business environment, it is crucial to have a safety net in place to protect against unexpected events that could otherwise lead to financial loss and bankruptcy. In this article, we will explore how business insurance can help build wealth and provide peace of mind for business owners. Over the last seven years, following the sudden loss of my father, I have become more educated on the necessities and opportunities with insurance. Since he didn’t have any that we know of, there were no assets and no wealth to leave behind. In his honor, I vowed to not make the same mistake and to educate others on financial health and the stable investment into insurance.
I was surprised to find that many people are more consistent with their auto insurance payment than their life insurance premiums. Why? Simply a focus on other priorities and lack of education is my guess. So I decided to focus somewhere in the middle and help other entrepreneurs and small business owners protect their assets (i.e. property, equipment, themselves, etc) so that all of the sacrifices they’re making today are not in vain tomorrow should something unexpected happen.
This is where we begin to see opportunities to build wealth.
First, let’s take a look at the role of business insurance in protecting against risk. Risk is an inevitable part of doing business, but with proper insurance coverage, the financial impact of these risks can be mitigated. For example, a company that experiences a fire or natural disaster could be faced with significant financial losses if they are not insured. Business insurance can cover these losses and provide financial stability during a time of crisis.
Another way in which business insurance can help build wealth is by providing liability protection. Liability insurance can protect a business from lawsuits and other legal actions brought against it. This protection is especially important for companies that deal with customers or clients, as it can help mitigate the financial impact of lawsuits and other legal actions.
In addition to risk protection and liability coverage, business insurance can also provide access to a range of benefits that can help companies grow and thrive. For example, some insurance policies offer coverage for lost income, which can help businesses keep their doors open during difficult times. Business insurance can also provide coverage for employee benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans, which can attract and retain high-quality employees.
Research supports the importance of business insurance in building wealth. A study by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners found that companies with insurance coverage were less likely to experience financial difficulties than those without insurance (NAIC, 2016). Another study by the Insurance Information Institute found that small businesses that invested in insurance had a higher success rate and were more likely to survive long-term than those without insurance (III, 2018).
In conclusion, business insurance is a valuable tool for building wealth and protecting the assets of a company. It provides protection against risk, liability, and access to a range of benefits that can help companies grow and thrive. By investing in business insurance, business owners can have peace of mind and feel confident in their ability to weather any storm that may come their way.
Photo by Med Badr Chemmaoui on Unsplash
References:
NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners). (2016). The Role of Insurance in the Economy. Retrieved from https://www.naic.org/prod_serv/economic_research_role_of_insurance.htm
III (Insurance Information Institute). (2018). The Benefits of Business Insurance. Retrieved from https://www.iii.org/article/the-benefits-of-business-insurance
