Hope in the workplace

Is hope enough?

The word 'hope' has been following me this week.

Last night I watched the brilliant (but often painful to watch) Shawshank Redemption*, which amongst so many great messages covers 'hope' with central character Andy Dufrense saying...

On winning her 19th slam title yesterday, Serena Williams said in an inspiring speech** "I walked on court with a ball and a racket and hope" to describe the start of her journey.

These quotes reminded me that earlier this week, I'd had a conversation with a jobseeker who said they 'hoped they'd find work soon'.

Also this week, Langley House Trust said farewell to their departing Chair Anthony Howlett-Bolton. At the celebration, we were reminded of some of his key phrases/teachings. One, not mentioned, that stays with me is his perspective on 'hope' as whenever Anthony attached hope to an expected outcome - he rephrased his statement. Not because he is a man without hope but rather because he recognised that hope alone doesn't get the job done, which was at odds with the manner of the jobseeker I mentioned.

How often, however, do we (you, I!) talk about hope as if it will get us a result? We need to be careful of using hope as a driver especially in our communications, eg giving instructions, with others. I know in my HR career, I've often talked to managers who've said 'we hoped the situation would improve' for example. What, that's it - you just 'hoped'?!

So whilst positive, what place (if any) does hope have in the workplace?

Taking the Shawshank and Serena examples actually helps us answer this. Because, whilst Hope is an inspiring message, in reality it wasn't hope alone that ensured Andy's escape or secured Serena's win. Yes hope was a strong ideal, a factor, but it wasn't lazy!

• Andy's hope was backed by knowing his truth, using his skills, and a patient, well executed plan. 
• Serena's hope was backed by talent, self-belief, practice, and hard work.
• Both show(ed) absolute determination and dedication, took their knocks and got up again defying the odds, and ensured they had company on their journey in order to achieve the goal(s).

In other words, Hope needs backing!

Sure, inspire people with hope in business but don't forget to communicate all that goes with it if you want it to get you results.

* Based on a book by Stephen King
** See Serena's speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgw4F90oFRQ (2.05 minutes)

Thanks for reading, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Denise x

For more:

• Contact me using the 'Contact form' above right
• Follow me at: @DamsonHR (Twitter)
• Call direct on: 07887 643807
• LinkedIn: Denise Sanderson-Estcourt, FCIPD

Oscar does not represent.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly on the Oscar Nominations 2015.

Movies, at their best, have the ability to raise the issue of diversity in a positive way and challenge our thinking - think To Kill a Mockingbird, Crash and Brokebank Mountain as examples. So, whilst it pains me to write this blog, I feel compelled to do so.

Currently film has been a trigger for diversity (specifically race) conversations in the wrong way with negativity about a black Annie, a black Bond and black stormtroopers; and there've also discussions about whether able bodied actors should play disabled characters. And the biggie...

The internet has been full of comment about the 'All white' Oscars acting and directorial nominations with Jessica Chastain making an impassioned speech about the matter of #OscarsSoWhite quoting:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/jessica-chastain-makes-emotional-plea-to-hollywood-to-fight-against-racist-agendas-following-all-white-oscars-nominations-9982237.html

And that's the 'good'. Social media gives us a voice (not always kindly eg in the case of Annie and Bond) that when used well, can ensure collective views are heard. And its also good (great actually) that people are frustrated by the lack of (visible) diversity on the list.

The 'bad' about the situation is the list itself. And it's not just about no black actors, it's also that there are no women on the Directors list (no nods for Angelina Jolie or Ava) for example.
I'm sure Ava DuVernay, would not want to be recognised simply because she is a black woman, she would want be recognised if the belief is that she did a great job making a movie. And given that the film 'Selma' is nominated for 'Best Film', we have our observation about that.

But the 'ugly' in my opinion is how the race of Cheryl Boone Isaacs as President of AMPAS seems to be being used to dismiss the issues raised. Her position does not change the historical or 'institutional' issues, or the fact that the movie industry is not reflective of the society it seeks to entertain.

I will always argue that diversity is not solely about the differences of race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation etc. For example, you could be looking at three white females but there'd still be much diversity in terms of age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, not to mention a host of different behavioural styles.

Diversity is about different people being not just represented but respected, treated fairly and their differences embraced. Is this how you see it?

However, there is no getting away from the fact that it's soul destroying to look at the Oscar nominations and have to recognise that 'the system' as it stands is biased towards middle-aged white males and that it has not moved on to reflect wider demographics.

Could the  'charges' be levelled at your organisation?

Thanks for reading, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Denise x

For more:

• Contact me using the 'Contact form' above right
• Follow me at: @DamsonHR
• Call direct on: 07887 643807
• LinkedIn: Denise Sanderson-Estcourt, FCIPD