| Born into the most visible of minorities, I grew up comfortably and amongst the majority while being unable to change how I looked, or pick the family I was born into, or the color of my skin. The single thing I've seen over and over: The only way ignorance is destroyed is when we take a minute to turn a stranger into a person by first acknowledging their existence as a member of our human family, and if possible learning a little about them and realizing, they're not that different than us. Some truths I've yet to disprove about Glass Ceilings: You can generally only bet on people to pay attention to glass ceilings that also affect them. Too many people don't understand, nor can they empathize very well with those who do. I've learned to generally ignore every word anyone ever says about diversity of any kind in an organization and only pay attention to the actions. If their diversity isn't already reflected in management, there's little chance they'll get there. Discovering Glass Ceilings: It doesn't seem misleading to feel those who are equally capable but an identifiable minority have to be twice as good in as twice as many ways as others to get half the respect. You get the idea. I've spoken as an expert for a particular enterprise and government grade tool across North America. Imagine the biggest corporations and government departments in one room. Get some nice exposure, recognition, people even keep in touch.. Still, my oldest clients are the best, teach me so much about life and living, and I couldn't ask for anything more as I move forward. Glass ceilings as fuel: I figure getting where you want to go with hardwork is fine. It only helps build my entrepreneurial hustle. Sometimes there's a few more bridges for me to build if someone hasn't dealt with someone who is "like them". On the whole, I find this helps me build my ability to connect to people's needs that much better To those who find glass ceilings: Decide if you want to break through it. You can. (Often if you're not the first, you will be the last to try). On the other hand, if you're that high caliber, you can probably start your own organization (and probably should). It's not to say going on your own is any easier -- you just have more ability to find the people who see life and the world like you do. Life is crazy anyways, having better people around makes the extremely tough balance out with the extremely good. I understand this may be heavy maybe for some, but life with depth is where meaning and fulfillment is. If anyone wants to chat about this and is afraid of being painted as a *-ist, feel free to contact me offline or reply here. If it makes you feel more comfortable, I can offer immunity/protection for what may seem like poorly worded questions (but are often well intended). |
To have a really open discussion about this I think it's important to mention the disconnect between what people think is important and what get's people promoted. One of the least obvious examples is a willingness to leave.