Hi everybody, I’m Lee, the owner at Hookd and this week’s tip is about diversity… and the value of celebrating it with your team.
We have an amazing team and I think there are a few things that contribute to that.
The first is that we treat each other with respect… We believe that everyone on our team has dignity and something to share – and we listen.
The second is that we celebrate each other and our achievements both in and out of the office. Cheering each other on has become part of our culture.
And lastly, we actively encourage our team to bring their unique skills and life experience to the table. We know that having more perspectives at the table helps us empathize with the audiences we are trying to reach and ultimately helps our clients communicate better with them.
I’m proud that we have this type of culture at Hookd. And part of the reason is because I wasn’t always able to bring myself to the table. It’s pride month and it’s kind of a big deal for me, not just as a gay man, but because I came out 20 years ago this summer.
While freeing, it was an incredibly demeaning experience in many ways… because a big part of my world (including people I deeply love) told me that what I came to that table with wasn’t dignified, much less welcome.
That held me back and kept me from bringing me and my ideas to the table. And while I’m sure the world didn’t miss any great opportunities because 20-something Lee didn’t put all of his ideas out there… I do believe I would have been a stronger contributor to the teams I served on if I had been able to feel safe enough to be authentic.
Whether it’s Pride Month, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Veterans Day, Hmong New Year, Christmas, or anything in between… take time to celebrate the things that are special to, and about, your people. Believe it or not, it makes a difference to them… and it might help them show up and become better members of your team. That doesn’t come at the exclusion of anyone. And it’s most certainly never a threat.
And in the end, that makes us more connected and human to one another. Something that we feel the rest of the world could use a little more of.
Happy pride month everyone and cheers to all of the wonderful, unique things that you bring to the table! They’re worth celebrating.