In our most recent Youtube video, I share about how professionalism is one of the things that comes up most often in my conversations with executives behind the scenes. How is it defined? What is/isn’t professional?

Our opinion: the bias of professionalism is repressive, and Janet’s example in the below video was poignant.

Google images of “professional hairstyles for women” and you’ll see mostly White people. But Google “unprofessional hairstyles for women” and you’ll see Black women.

Professionalism is a label based on European beauty standards, a standard designed so only a few people can live up to it. Now Google The Crown Act.

Professionalism shouldn’t be about how we look, how we present, what we wear, or who we are. It should be about how we relate, how we operate in the workplace, and what we deliver.

Our standards should allow for variety. They should allow for diversity. Check out the article below to learn more.

When it comes to the content we create, the verbiage in policies and procedures, we have the opportunity as Conscious Communicators to ensure that language and visual representation is designed to be inclusive, respectful, and diverse. Creating an organizational inclusive communications guide is a great first step. Click the link below to set up some time with me to talk about creating one for your organization.

kim

What is the definition of professionalism? How do biases play into professionalism? Janet and Kim discuss how a standard of professionalism should include diversity.

• Anatomy of a Microagression
• Watch the recording of my conversation with Staffbase on the role of DEI communications and well being

Write a Professionalism Policy that Holds Room for Differences

Illustration by Aurelia Durand

There should be standards in the workplace — but those standards should leave room for differences. Does your current professionalism policy speak only to how someone presents? Or does it highlight how employees should relate, operate, and deliver? Read this article to start the conversation on your team.

September 15th 12n-1p EST

Watch our video for a sneak peek of what we’ll be talking about: https://lnkd.in/ez5X8zwp

As you know, we are teaming up to co-author a book called The Conscious Communicator: The fine art of not saying stupid sh*t. It’s now available for pre-order.

It’s a guide for organizational communicators to help their communications have more DEPTH to avoid being performative and generating employee and social media backlash. DEPTH is a 5-step model to ensure messaging and content are meaningfully and intentionally created through a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lens. 

Fill out the form below to receive The Conscious Communicator’s Weekly Newsletter to your inbox!