DIVERSITY DISCOURSE SERIES
How Can Your DEI Program Make a Real Difference?
Stillness — the surprising relevance of the Six Degrees of Executive Presence to your Diversity program
What it Means
Stillness. This is a state of freedom from storm or disturbance.
You only move when it is time to move — no earlier and no later. Your lack of extraneous movement allows you to see things that others miss.
When a lot of activity is going on, seemingly all at once, people look to leadership that will not get lost in thoughtless activity.
Things to Consider
For DEI programs, what time do you spend not doing, but simply reflecting, appreciating, or resting? The enemy of creativity is tension and you can’t relax when you constantly on the go. Sure, there is a lot to do, but when you are running non-stop all the time, are you really at your most effective?
It’s like the difference between driving on a roadtrip straight through without breaks vs. plannng milestones, downtime, and of course, snack and bathroom breaks!
When you learn to be still, it also gives you the opportunity to notice and seize the opportunity by springing into action as soon as it is available. If you are constantly running full out and the landscape is a blur, you may not notice the beautiful things that are right in front of you.
Your Turn
In the comments, please share your ideas about what DEI programs can do to have more stillness. You don’t need to be an underrepresented professional, a Diversity Professional, or any sort of expert to weigh in. You just need to understand what it means to have stillness and have a perspective on the current and future state of diversity in your organization and society.
In Action
For a fun, rather extreme example of stillness, check out how Westley is fine with his literal stillness and still manages to contribute to the problem at hand with little more than a finger wiggle.
You just shook your head! That doesn’t make you happy?
Next week, we’ll explore Engaged.
As you wish,
Joe Kwon, the Connection Counselor
Learn more
This article was adapted from the new leadership book, Unlock Your Executive Presence: Feel like a Boss. To find out more about Executive Presence and access free leadership videos, podcasts, and guides, go to www.connectioncounselor.com.
New release! Try the brand new course Executive Presence and the Diversity Dilemma on Udemy.com. It’s the only course that not only teaches you how to generate Executive Presence, but provides strategies specifically for underrepresented professionals. Check out the preview today!
As the Connection Counselor, Joe Kwon helps busy professionals elevate their careers by teaching them how to connect to anyone, anytime, anywhere. His emphasis is on practical learning, delivered in an entertaining, heartfelt, and inclusive manner.
An acclaimed coach and keynote speaker with over 20 years of experience in Corporate America, his goal is to help you unlock the best version of yourself.
Joe holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Virginia (Go Hoos!), a law degree from Georgetown University (Hoya Saxa!), and lives in New Jersey with his wife and son.
