We are at a pivotal moment in history. You feel it. We feel it. Every. Single. Person. Feels It. And that’s a good thing. A really good thing.
But like so many times before, there’s always a risk when we’re staring down change – even when it’s at the level and intensity of social change we’re all a part of right now. The risk is always present of us slipping back into the way things were. Quietly, slowly, ever so subtly, and before we know it, we find ourselves asking the same old questions to the same old people.
It’s time for that to stop.
And you can help.
What Accountability Looks Like as Part of the BLM Movement
As a leader, your employees, clients, and the community look to you to set the tone for the type of business you strive to be each and every day and the type of world you’re committed to living in. You have to talk the talk and walk the walk, and you do it by building trust and demonstrating accountability. So what does that mean?
Being accountable as part of the Black Lives Matter movement means truly committing to racial and social equality – and sticking to that commitment. It’s more than just doing your part today. We all should be doing that. It’s about staying committed for the long-haul.
And guess what? When you truly commit, we mean REALLY do your part, it’s good for your business, too. Not only does it shape the story of who you are, it also attracts audiences and customers as well as rock start talent and employees. All that on top of making the world a better place. Who can say no to that?
Some Ideas for Maintaining Accountability
Social changes take time, but it will never happen if we don’t start. Here are some ideas to help us each move several steps closer to a more equitable society – and better businesses.
- Agree to close your business on Election Day.
- Commit to hiring more Black professionals – and do so in a tangible way by setting a specific goal. For example, commit to having XX% of your business be BIPOC professionals by 2021.
- Commit to finding BIPOC referral sources or businesses that complement your own and with whom you can partner.
- Commit to posting less aggressive self-gaining posts on social media and instead focus on GIVING more to your audience. Be a resource. Think of others first.
What ideas do you have for keeping your business accountable? We’ve love to hear them! Drop us a line or find us on Instagram @thefoundgen to let us know.