4 Things to Elevate Belonging in the Technical World of Work

Note: This is the copy of the closing speech I just recorded for an upcoming Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Conference at Intel, Corp. in May, 2022.

Hello there! You’ve just finished listening to the wonderful cadre of conference speakers who brought forward innovative ideas and engaging solutions to one of our greatest challenges: 

how to create a sense of belonging in a technical world so that we all can thrive and exceed our goals.

I’m Dr. Robyn McKay, an award-winning psychologist and fierce advocate for women in STEM as well as for the broader movement focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.

Over the course of the pandemic, I’ve been largely focused on supporting technical leaders and thought workers on living and leading during these uncertain times.

This is not a time to go it alone.

Now, more than ever before we all need the gifts, talents and contributions of each person. As we write the next chapter of life individually and collectively, I believe the best way forward is to do it together. That’s one reason why cultivating a sense of belonging for all of us is vital. 

I’m here today, to share some words of encouragement and to offer 4 things that will support your desires to create a culture of belonging now and in the future so that we can thrive. 

Here’s how I think about bringing more humanity, connection and belonging to our technical organizations. 

The next time you come together with your teams, the next time you sit at a table with other people (whether it’s in person or virtually) I would invite you to consider these four things. 

 I believe that: 

1. Every person sitting at the table has something unique and useful to contribute to a project, to a team, to the vision of the company, to the world. In other words every person, each of you (and me, too), have a set of gifts, abilities, and perspectives that we can count on you for. It might be something unexpected like a wry sense of humor or something practical like to see potential problems and quickly course correct. You won’t know for sure until you really pay attention.

2. Every person at the table has something that they need from the other people around them. We aren’t meant to live or work in isolation. We aren’t meant to do everything, all by ourselves. For example, as people, we need encouragement, a sense that we belong, and a purpose. Let’s do that for each other. Let’s expect that for ourselves.

3. Everyone has goals and dreams. Everyone has great hopes. These are meant to be nurtured and actualized. The more you can learn about another person’s dreams, and the more you’re willing to share your own dreams, the better you’ll be able to understand what drives and motivates your teammates and to have your own goals understood.

4. Everyone also has fears. Fears about the future. Fears about what tomorrow holds. Fears about belonging or not belonging. Regardless if you choose to share your fears with someone else at work or not, simply remembering that we all have them can ease the path toward feeling included and belonging to something bigger than just you.

So there you have it: 4 things that are meant to encourage and support your intention to create a sense of belonging for yourself and for those around you. 

And finally, before I go, one last thing:

Ultimately, I am here today to remind you of your humanity. To remind you of your creativity and of your inherent desire to contribute. 

So as we close, remember this, please: 

You aren’t a robot.
You’re not a cog in a great machine.
You’re not a clone.
And I don’t believe that you’re even a human resource.

You are human and your human spirit is designed to create, to hope, to see the very best of what’s possible, to be curious, and to contribute in a way that is as unique as your own finger print, and as consistent as your own heart beat. 

Remember this: 

You are human and your contribution is vital. 

I continue to be grateful for your minds and your hearts and for your indomitable human spirits. You belong at the table. Your ideas and perspective are necessary for us to write the next, best chapter of life. 

It’s time to take your seat.

___________

Ready to book Robyn to speak to your team or organization?
Send your inquiry for keynote addresses or corporate training to brandi@drrobynmckay.com to request information.