During this interactive session on the AVIXA Xchange Live stage, a cross-section of the industry came together to discuss how we can be personally accountable to create safe workplaces that invite diversity of every kind and create safe spaces for each of us to thrive. This session embraced real-world examples and invited the audience to take away real-world actions.

Host Shelby Hill, Ph.D., President for Next Leader Up spoke with Kelly Bousman, MA, SVP Marketing for AVI-SPL Tampa; Mark Coxon, CTS-I, CTS-D, Business Development Director for AVI-SPL Los Angeles; and Joe' Lloyd, Senior Director of Business Development for AVIXA.

So, what can you do to move the needle?

To begin with, it’s important to have workplace etiquette. That means treating people how they would want to be treated. To do that, you need to learn more about the people who you are working with.

“You can hire with intention, but if there is not a safe space, they will not and cannot stay,” said Bousman. “Try new things and ideas, bring in new people. Bring micro affirmations in your workplace throughout the day. If you see someone getting glossed over, help lift them up by bringing attention to them. Ask them to say more about their point. Be inviting and welcoming, work on how you can give others a path. Be intentional and inclusive as social awareness is important at every level.”

“There are many types of people who aren’t extroverts, and we need to recognize that and bring their voices forward, too,” Joe’ added. “Be an advocate, be an ally. My favorite part of being a manager is empowering people to perform and contribute in their current job or the next.”

“Sometimes we don’t realize the impact we have on other people,” said Coxon. “Listen to other experiences with empathy. If you are a manager, ask for anonymous feedback from the group after a meeting. And think about channels to communicate. There is something to posting anonymously on a whiteboard.”