Equality Lesson, Taught by Dogs
It seems a prescient time to discuss the topic of Equality. As business owners we can learn a lot from our canine friends on how to have successful and meaningful relationships with employees, clients, and vendors of various groups.
Our dog photo today features three (3) very different ‘groups’ - one has a pre-existing health condition (epilepsy), another is disabled (deaf), and the third is an immigrant (born in Europe who was brought here by the prospect of a more enriched life). Yet, as the picture shows, they all not only get along well, but thrive together, and consider one another friend. This triumvirate is best of friends at daycare. They play, they rest, they learn together. This is all despite their varied differences. Somehow, these differences do not matter in their daycare quest to enjoy their time together and make the best of their circumstances.
How does this relate to running a business you may ask? Well, we are not all alike. Our differences can serve to enhance the foundation of our business and can set a tone for your clients and employees to be proud of in these ever changing times.
As business owners, we lead the choices the firm makes. While it is often most secure to do business with those who are most like yourself, challenge yourself and your business to expand beyond what is comfortable. This may come in various forms and does not need to be an uncomfortable effort.
First, if you do have employees, do you have a Diversity & Inclusion hiring plan? If not, it may be a good time to do the research and determine if your company can move forward in enacting one. A trusted colleague whose company may excel in hiring diversity is also a good place to gain perspective and ideas. The face of our community and our culture continues to change, understand it, embrace it, and move your business alongside it, rather than be left in the past. Such posture can undoubtedly lead to greater external respect for your firm, which hopefully translates into more business for you.
Second, examine your business Vendor/Consultant/Advisor list. If you are a sole proprietor, this review will provide the most opportunity for an inclusive reach. It is no coincidence that many of my Advisors are women. Not all, but a good majority of them. I wanted to ensure my new professional journey could include as many Certified Business Entities as possible. This was a personal choice, predicated largely on my experiences in my previous corporate life, where I sometimes felt stifled by the lack of variety in my role. And, it is my contribution, albeit small, to create opportunities for those often perceived or treated as less equal to the majority.
We all grow in our lives and the same can be said for a business. It should have its own identity, its own brand, and its own life cycle. It is good to take some time and remember that profile reflects the owner and/or the management. Considering efforts to enhance that profile by elevating its diversity platform is something we should all consider. Variety is the spice of life or so goes the saying. It can be equally true in business.
So, the next time you hire a new employee, or identify a new vendor to buy office furniture from, or need to hire a new advisor, make a conscious effort to have a dialogue outside your own profile. Like Cisco, Jackson, and Trévi in our featured photo, you may be surprised what you find. Make it interesting, make it fun, and keep learning how to make your business flourish.
Be well.
