Embracing each "1 in a Million"
This morning, while driving with my 10-year-old, they requested I play “High Hopes” by Panic at the Disco. As the lyrics played:
“Mama said, Fulfill the prophecy, Be something greater, Go make a legacy, Manifest destiny”
I had an epiphany. Earlier that week, I had shared exciting professional news with my mom. Out of nowhere, I received a phone call from a prospective organization that aligned with my values. While describing this call to my mother, I told her that I had recently started to shift my mindset to believe that good things do happen to me. I described it to her as magic happening if you believe it. And here was a successful band confirming it with their lyrics:
“I always had a feeling I was gonna be that one in a million”
This made me reflect on what it takes to be “1 in a million” and how it connects to my desire to show up authentically in all aspects of my life.
Connecting to the Workplace
You might wonder how this relates to the workplace. Imagine if every individual showed up to the office feeling like “1 in a million.” The creativity and ingenuity that would flourish in such an environment would be astounding. If the community believed each team member was capable of a little bit of magic because they showed up authentically and their strengths complemented those of their teammates, the possibilities would be endless.
Creating Inclusive Policies
Unfortunately, authenticity often meets barriers in the office. People of different ethnicities or gender identity might feel inclined to code-switch to fit into established office norms. How do we combat this and create spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging?
Have you reflected on your workplace policies recently? We can create barriers through biased policies without realizing it because "that’s how it’s always been done" or "this is the norm." Create a system for reviewing policies to see who might not feel included or who might feel targeted. It can be as simple as creating a list of questions to ask whenever new HR policies are rolled out. While this might seem like a small step, for someone who feels they need to show up unauthentically to work, it could be the spark that makes them feel like they belong. It might also encourage them to engage in difficult conversations because they see the company taking steps to change the culture.
In the end, being "1 in a million" isn't just about standing out; it's about showing up as your true self and believing in your unique potential. When we foster an environment where everyone feels empowered to be authentic, we unlock a wellspring of creativity and innovation. Let's strive to create workplaces where every individual feels like they can be that "1 in a million," bringing their magic to the table and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and excellence.