Everyone Is Welcome

The biggest obstacle that I have faced within my generation is the ability to be myself and allow others to be themselves without the perception or scrutiny of how people should be. This lovely and fascinating world we live in together is much bigger than we think as we allow ourselves to be hypnotized by the news media or social media. As I use the term hypnotized loosely in this sense because it is bound to draw some feedback.

If we take a look as the generations that have come along in this world and especially those that are preparing to enter the workforce. We can find a massive amount of differences in them all as we should. The older generation is not used to the changes and openness that this newer generation brings with it. That does not mean everyone is not welcome, it just means you have to earn your spot at the table. Rapid turnover might indicate that employees do not feel welcomed (Connelly, 2005). Well that is not very friendly or even the attributes of a leader as we place so much emphasis on approval from others. I read an article published by The Journal of Property Management through the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) titled “Mining the Strength of Difference” in the company’s January/February 2020 edition written by Jasmyn Sylvester who is 2020 Chair of the IREM board. This article spoke volumes to the mere aspect of everyone being welcomed while highlighting how terminology such as diversity, equity, and inclusion are not interchangeable even though some people believe they are. Is that not the exact place our nation is in right now?

As this is where the divide comes in for me as there should be no such thing as earning a place at the table when whatever organization employees you decided to for a purpose, should invite you in willingly if the requirements and qualifications are met. Yes, I understand there are those who believe that things should be earned and not just given to people, but how many things have they been given to some, which they did not earn rightfully. A new job produces stress, uncertainty, and often inadequate communication (Petelle & Jorgensen, 1993). So is it a double-standard or just a pure lack of understanding from the point of view of leadership. When everyone is welcome the horizon seems much brighter as the room becomes filled with ideas big and small, personalities that will clash while potentially providing breakthroughs, thus allowing people to perform at their best while taking ownership of their work.

As the leader, you should welcome that mantra “Everyone Is Welcome” with open arms to your team meetings, briefings, or any function where someone within your circle can benefit other than yourself. Stop protecting your own throne or sacred path to success that will get you into the position you want and start helping others reach their full potential!

Reference:

Connelly, L. M. (2005). Welcoming new employees. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 37(2), 163-164. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1547-5069.2005.00029.x

Petelle, J.L., & Jorgensen, J.D. (1993). The health care supervisor and the early communication patterns of newcomers: The uncertainty of assimilation. Health Care Supervisor, 11(4), 15-29. https://europepmc.org/article/med/10125782