Here is why anyone can become a role model

I was absolutely ecstatic to receive the Stonewall LGBT Role Model of the Year Award because I truly believe that as an organisation they do so much great work to promote inclusion in the workplace, schools and the sports field. 

I struggled for a long while to see myself as a role model and then I slowly realised that I did not need anyone’s permission to role model positive behaviour on a daily basis. I am going to share some of the things I have learned along the way.

You don’t need to have a senior role in a company to exude a positive influence on others. 

• Anyone at any level can have a positive influence in the workplace. Work with your LGBT business resource group on a reverse mentoring programme. That way you get exposure to senior leaders and you can help them understand the challenges that LGBT people may face in the workplace.

Step out of your comfort zone as often as you can.

• I am naturally an introvert but I made a resolution a few years ago to say yes to any opportunity, especially if it made me feel uncomfortable. Not only has it been great for my personal development but I have met some amazing people and had some great experiences as a result.

Be curious and learn about other diversity groups issues and challenges.

•  It’s common to be worried about saying the wrong thing or upsetting someone but talk to your colleagues in diversity groups and frame the conversion with something like ‘I really want to understand more about the challenges LGBT people face but I am worried that I will say the wrong thing. Please do not be offended if I do as I mean no ill intent but do not hesitate to correct me and explain why that was the wrong thing to say’

Start with small gestures that make others feel comfortable in the workplace.

• If you are LGBT have a picture of your partner on your desk or your intranet profile. I have a picture of the ILGA map on my desk and I find it’s a good starting point for conversation around global LGBT rights. If you are an ally make that visible by having related materials like stickers or a desk card. If your company doesn’t have an ally programme then find out if you can get involved in starting one.

Politely challenge inappropriate speech or behaviours around you.

• More often than not people say the wrong thing but have good intentions. For example If you hear someone calling something ‘gay’ then explain to them that they may be inadvertently offending colleagues around them by using the term gay with a negative connotation. If you hear clearly homophobic speech then challenge them and try to politely educate them

Believe in yourself.

• When I tentatively stepped into a leadership role in our LGBT business resource group, Pride at Work, I wasn’t confident that I had the right skill sets to take on a leadership role. I spoke to my manager at the time and she really encouraged me to take on the role and I have never looked back since. Trust that if you have a passion for something that you will work hard and do a good job

I am lucky that in Thomson Reuters I work for an organisation that gives you the autonomy and opportunity to be involved in promoting an inclusive culture in the workplace and it’s great to see so many companies completing the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index and pushing for positive change. If you want to be part of this positive change then don’t be scared or complacent, get involved, show up to events and make a difference!

Find out more about Stonewall here.

VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please call 02037405973 or email [email protected] for more information.

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