Courageous conversations lead to inclusion, transformative practice
Erasing disparity in the workplace requires courageous conversations that will lead to intentional, intrusive and innovative change, according to a speaker at the virtual Ophthalmic World Leaders Signature Event and Awards Ceremony.
“Courageous conversations are ones that you recognize as necessary at a certain time when you realize that someone has said something or did something and their words, their actions, their innuendos make you feel that ‘I need to say something about this,’” Cheryl Davenport Dozier, DSW, leadership and diversity expert, said.
It is recognized in the business world that there are opportunities and privileges for some group and not for others; to speak up about this disparity is a risk, but it is with courageous conversation that innovation begins. In pursuing leadership positions, being intrusive and intentional means standing up for what you believe is right and being an advocate first for yourself and then for others, Dozier said. Taking the opportunity to say that something different is needed allows for transformative leadership, which allows a different set of organizational habits, including people, ideas and values, at the decision-making table.
In Dozier’s experience, people need a comfortable space in which they feel their position is not in jeopardy to talk about areas of equity, diversity and inclusion; for example, leadership retreats act as a great way to facilitate the sharing of ideas. The most important thing to remember is once change gets started, you must continue moving forward, Dozier said.
“We have an opportunity because our generation, as I would say, we know better. ... We know the value of us coming together as global citizens of this one world we live in ... each one of you can have an impact on change in the organizations that you are a part of,” Dozier said. “Let us step out together and make a difference; we live in a diverse world, let’s just make it equitable now, so that everybody feels that they’re receiving all of the benefits that they deserve.”
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Dozier CD. Keynote: Leading courageous conversations: Being intrusive and intentional with integrity. Presented at: Ophthalmic World Leaders Signature Event and Awards Ceremony; Nov. 10, 2020 (virtual meeting).
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