In The Waymakers book, the focus is on you as a leader. An assumption of the book is that you realize you are also an employee. When the book delves into what every person needs at work—to be seen, respected, valued, and protected—those needs apply to you as well.
The best way to ensure your workplace needs are being met is to meet the needs of those you lead. Then, invite your direct leader to do the same for you.
Here’s how you might start the conversation by inviting your direct leader to meet your workplace needs:
There are four needs that everyone has in the workplace:
- The first is to be seen
I am intentionally seeking diverse perspectives and experiences—for my team, from my team, and for myself. I am ensuring diverse talent have access to opportunities. Let’s do this together. - The second is to be respected
I am providing specific, timely, actionable feedback to my team so they feel respected for who they are, what they know, and what they can do. I need you to provide the same for me. - The third is to be valued
I have ongoing conversations with my team about the specific skills, knowledge, relationships, experiences, and behaviors they need to take them from where they are today to where they want to be in the future. I need us to take this same approach with my career growth. - And the fourth is to be protected
I step up and intervene when I observe workplace harm happening. It’s not easy, but it is necessary for us to realize the more inclusive workplace we all need. I need your support.
When you extend a clear invitation, when you are consistent in your behaviors, when you are bold and accountable, you demonstrate to your team, your peers, and your leader that you believe in inclusive leadership, are committed to it, and you expect them to be, too.
Modeling equitable and inclusive leadership is the way to signal to others that the journey toward an equitable workplace is worthwhile and doable. Modeling the way is not always easy, but it is simple. And it leads to results for everyone—including you.
