When you look at the tech industry, the makeup of leadership is overwhelming white men. The lack of diverse perspectives in leadership impacts company culture. In this episode, we discuss how to change the toxic “tech bro” workplace environment and make it more equitable, inclusive and diverse from the C-Suite to the bottom of the org chart.
In this week’s episode Tonya Ladipo chats with Tali Bray, the EVP and Head of Technology Diverse Segments, Representation and Inclusion at Wells Fargo. Bray shares how she became a technologist and why her new role in DEI is important.
After the episode, download our worksheet to learn tips on how to build better relationships with your team.
Reflection Questions:
- Get to know your direct reports as people. Focusing only on project KPIs will not build a strong team. Getting to know individuals and what’s important to them needs to be just as important as a KPI.
What’s important to the members on my team? - What does my team need from me? If you don’t know the answer, ask them.
- If you’re not getting feedback, ask for it. Remember it will take time for them to trust you, it won’t happen overnight.
What feedback am I getting from my team? - Build a network outside of your familiar spaces. This is the beginning of developing real connections and relationships that lead to referrals and also your talent pipeline.
How often do I network with groups and organizations outside of my culture?
Action Items:
- Recognize your own biases in hearing feedback. Ask yourself this self-reflection question when receiving feedback, “If someone I know and respect shared this feedback with me, how would I respond?”
- Be courageous and willing to have difficult conversations. Don’t worry about saying the wrong thing. If you don’t know, ask. Feedback is a gift even when it may not feel that way. Often we get defensive, deny, or debate the feedback rather than accepting it.
- Recognize that people from underrepresented groups historically have dealt with consequences for giving feedback and asking for fair treatment. Some people have experienced not receiving promotions, had their career stalled, and/or have been labeled as ‘difficult.’
Create an anonymous way for people to deliver feedback to you. - Have skip-level meetings with your team. Consider this an opportunity to engage with your team leader’s direct reports to get a better understanding of your organization’s culture.
- Hire for competencies (not pedigree). Go to where talent is. Reach out to community colleges, affinity groups and other community specific platforms.
Additional Resources:
On the Managing Well podcast, host Tonya Ladipo talks wellness in the workplace with people leaders, mental health professionals, HR experts, and more. Click the link to subscribe to the podcast and get the latest episodes.