• Posted on Feb 7, 2024

Growth and change are natural, and we should lean into them. Leaning in means not only embracing the change, but the discomfort. Pain and discomfort are indicators of root issues and can pave the way to smoother outcomes, especially when facilitating change. When we numb ourselves to avoid discomfort, we also repel the benefits that discomfort can bring – which is often growth, improved relationships, clarity, and so much more.

We need to rise above limiting beliefs and anxiety about outcomes that might be holding us back. I’m talking about change for individuals and organizations and I’m also talking about the time I gave birth after 24 hours of all natural, unmedicated labor. This is about pushing past the boundaries of what we think we can do and discovering what we’re truly capable of.

Growth and change are more natural than we think. Organizations bring me in for three reasons. To help them:

• Live into their commitment to support an inclusive culture
• Grow their people professionally and help them feel appreciated
• Retain their best employees and reengage the complacent

These reasons are often perceived as a difficult undertaking because unconscious bias, problematic policies, and other factors can cause resistance when trying to move the needle. Studies continue to make clear that inclusive, diverse workplaces are more successful. Despite this being the case, why is a culture of inclusion so hard to nurture?

The old way if full of micro-aggressions and ignorance. The old way punished people for coming to work as their authentic selves. Innovation squashed. We know we need to grow out of this repressive, unhealthy mindset. This new way calls for growth. The new way calls for compassion and radical welcome.

In my experience as a clinical sociologist serving in organizational and employee development, I have found that the most successful people and organizations are those who are not just willing to grow, but excited about growing! The truth is continuous improvement requires a commitment to learning. A growth mindset internalizes the idea that the path to success is paved with both resilience and open-mindedness. This outlook includes diversity as a strength and not something to be stifled or tokenized.

So, what’s holding you back? What’s stopping you from embracing change and pursuing growth? Many trainings, software, and policies tolerate change on a surface level, but few embrace it in a proactive,  meaningful way. Tolerating change on a service level is surviving and enduring – like going into labor without any prenatal care or plan to get through the hard work you knew was coming.

Embracing change is being proactive, taking care of yourself to give what you’re growing, healthier start. Embracing change might look like having a birthing plan – despite the unknowns. Embracing change is to thrive and to paraphrase philosopher and martial artist Bruce Lee, “be like water and adjust to the object so you can find a way around or through it.”

Some of us are pushing too hard. Instead, we need to relax into our natural desire to self-actualize by connecting with our higher self and our potential. Leaders, despite good intentions, often make change harder than it needs or should be. So, what can leaders do differently?

First, we need to relax and stop being too stiff. We need agility, not just in our business mindset – but agility of the heart and spirit… so as we deepen our self-awareness, we strengthen our compassion for other people and for ideas different from our own.

This is why a nurse will ask you to relax before sticking you with that needle. Case in point, Bruce Lee further reminds us to, “notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.”

Growth and change are natural states native to earth and inherent in our humanity. Just as the seasons change, some animals leave for warmer climates while others hunker down. Those who hunker down are proactive about harvesting for the scarcity and cold until is passes. They don’t push against the inevitable. They accept it and address it head on based on their circumstances, resources, and abilities.

What is the right answer to being ready for unknown changes that are sure to come? The answer to dealing with the change from fall to winter is different for the bear as it is for the squirrel.

Who are you? What are your values? Start there and the answers to thriving in change and leveraging a growth mindset will become clear.

Lean into change and be proactive. Strive for ways to embrace change with a spirit of agility in your heart and spirit. De-center the status quo and shift into a more welcoming, agile workplace. Your words and thoughts have power. They will impact you, those you serve, and those you lead.

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💜 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗘𝗯𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗖. 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲

🔑 Helping organizations advance their goals of an inclusive workplace culture and an engaged workforce

★ Guiding members of historically marginalized groups to #careerwellness, joy, and freedom through my career consulting programs ⬇️

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