Many people feel like they don't quite fit in at work, or that they don't quite know how to behave in order to feel like they belong. This can be a difficult feeling to shake, as the sense of not belonging can often lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion. However, there are ways to make an individual feel more connected and accepted in the workplace. In this episode, Kate Gerson sits down with Rethinc Co-Founder, Kenan Bishop, to discuss the concept of belonging in the workplace and how it affects employees on a daily basis. They dispel some of the myths around belonging and identify three specific behaviors that have an impact on an individual's sense of belonging at work.
A fundamental lesson from this episode is that developing relationships with others at work doesn't have to come at the expense of being efficient. Too often, workplace cultures believe that human connection and efficiency are mutually exclusive goals. But it doesn't have to be that way. We can find ways to create a more inclusive environment for all employees without sacrificing productivity.
We hope you enjoy this candid discussion on belonging between two of the most brilliant DEI practitioners of our day. Don't forget to take away what you learn and apply it within your own workplace. Workplace belonging is essential for every individual, no matter their background or identity. This episode of the podcast is dedicated to all those who are striving to create a more inclusive work environment and make everyone feel like they belong.
In this episode, we discuss:
1:25 – Introduction to Kenan Bishop, Rethinc Co-Founder
3:00 – Checking boxes vs. leaning into behavior change for belonging
6:00 – What it truly means to belong at work and show up as one’s authentic self
17:00 – The importance of human connection in collaborative performance
19:30 – The art and science of becoming less of an a-hole as a leader
25:30 – The role of race in the paradox of culture fit at work
31:40 – Creating an environment of continuous feedback across lines of difference
36:00 – The analogy between love languages and meeting people where they are at work
41:00 – Honoring space for other perspectives without defending
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