Page 39 - CCCA Magazine Fall 2018

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current climate, the ability to be your “I think we spend and waste so much time 5. learn about microaggressions—
whole self at work is a privilege that only and energy trying to ‘have it all together’ and then stop committing them
those who are in power or who belong to that if we spent a little more time telling the “Microaggressions are unconscious expres-
the “in” group possess. truth, we could be free, we could heal, we sions of racism or sexism [or homophobia,
could change, and we could connect with ableism, etc.]. They come out in seemingly
What does it look like? others in a more real and genuine way.” 5 innocuous comments by people who might
6
According to Robbins, bringing our be well-intentioned.” Examples include:
whole selves to work means “showing up 3. language matters ■ Asking a Black coworker about their
authentically, leading with humility, and ■ Are you using hurtful and exclusive natural hair / touching their hair
remembering that we’re all vulnerable, language at work, maybe without even ■ Asking a colleague of colour where
imperfect human beings doing the best realizing it? Are ableist slurs like lame, they are really from
we can.” It also means “having the cour- psycho, nuts or crazy a part of your vo- ■ Interrupting women in meetings
age to take risks, speak up, ask for help, cabulary? What about culturally ap- ■ Repeatedly mispronouncing a col-
connect with others in a genuine way, and propriative or racist terms like spirit league’s name
allow ourselves to be truly seen.” 4 animal, pow-wow (referring to a work ■ Complimenting people’s bodies (just
As a leader in your legal department meeting) or circle the wagons? don’t do it—compliment their new
and your organization—and as a lawyer, ■ What does “culture ft” mean at your or- glasses, sense of humour or offce de-
since you’ve likely been crafting and pol- ganization? Is it really just a coded term cor instead)
ishing your image since law school—this for “white, male, straight, upper class”? These are just a small sample of the ways
might be challenging to do. So how can ■ Is your workplace fatphobic? (Fatpho- we diminish others on a daily basis with-
you lead by example and make sure your bia is everywhere. Do you joke about out even realizing it. We encourage you to
colleagues and employees feel safe and getting diabetes from eating a piece of read more about microaggressions in the
welcome at work? cake? Do you talk about your diet in future. The internet is full of eye-opening
front of your colleagues, who may be articles on the topic.
1. appreciation vs. recognition larger than you or have eating disor-
Incorporate appreciation into your em- ders you don’t know about? These are the Whole self is the best self
ployee feedback sessions. Appreciation fo- acts of fatphobia.) When people get to bring their whole
cuses on the positive and unique aspects of selves to work, they are happier, healthier
a person’s identity and talents, while recog- 4. Celebrate what matters to your and more productive. Employees who
nition focuses on the good job an employee employees feel happy and safe contribute more, cre-
is doing. Expressing appreciation for who Ensure that your workplace celebrates ate more and are more likely to stay. But
people are often gets sidelined at work, but and/or recognizes Pride, Black History it’s up to leaders to introduce and foster an
it’s key to making people feel valued. Month, National Indigenous Peoples Day, authentic, welcoming workplace. How will
International Women’s Day, Ramadan, you do your part? ❚
2. tell your truth Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and other
It may resonate with others and encourage important holidays and events that are
them to share openly too. As Robbins says, important to your colleagues. Karen Sadler is the Marketing and Communications
Coordinator at the CCCA.

Inam, “Bring Your Whole Self to Work.”
4
5 Ibid.
6 rachel Premack, “9 things people think are fne to say at work – but are actually racist, sexist, or offensive,” Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/microaggression-
unconscious-bias-at-work-2018-6

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