What If?
This article is part of Finding the Words, a newsletter that delivers practical insights on the day’s issues.
Have you ever questioned the impact you can make as one person?
Maybe you stopped yourself from speaking up because you didn't think it would matter.
Maybe you fell through on a commitment because you didn't think anyone would notice.
Maybe you went along with the status quo because it felt like the easier option.
Maybe... but What If?
What If you have a far greater influence and impact than you realize? And what if your micro-level decisions can result in powerful and positive macro-level changes?
In More Than Words, I share the story of an advertising executive whose work has moved millions of people to action, supporting dozens of brands and causes. She often spends her time thinking about the big-picture impact of her advertising campaigns, the impact that she says is sometimes hard for her to feel personally.
When we first talked, she had been thinking about the design decisions that often go unnoticed. She had been thinking about the power she has, through every one of her choices, to either break stereotypes or reinforce them, to build inclusive practices or maintain exclusive ones.
As we talked, it became clear that her seemingly "little" decisions could carry as much weight as the big decisions, especially regarding advancing equity and inclusion.
What if she swapped stock photos for actual photos and gave people credit for their involvement?
What if she prioritized meetings and calls with employees who hold less power rather than always prioritizing meetings with her more powerful colleagues?
What if she invited and celebrated different perspectives and points of view in the weekly meeting?
What if she advocated for a lesser-known but equally qualified vendor who could bring an entirely new point of view to the work?
And what if you did the same?
Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion principles can feel complex, unwieldy, and, in some political climates, downright impossible. It never is, though.
We can advance the principles of DEI in every decision we make: in the significant commitments and policies we advance as organizations, and in the small actions and gestures we make, day after day, as leaders.
What If you approached every micro-level decision as an opportunity to advance the principles of DEI in your work? What if you leaned into hard conversations, invited new perspectives, and celebrated differences? And what long-term effect might there be?
I believe that communication is the greatest tool to advance social justice. I have seen what is possible when we dare to ask “What If?” and then lean into the answer.
Whether you manage a big brand or a small startup, a team of thousands, or a team of two, there is power in every single one of your decisions: power to shift and shape society for good.
So, I dare you to ask, and then explore more deeply, your individual power to make an impact. Consider the effect of your big decisions and your small ones, too. Then, ask again and again, What If?
Bottom Line: Dare to ask, “What If?” this week, and I guarantee the answer will inspire you.
Ready for more? Listen to this article on the Mission Forward podcast.
This post is part of the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights direct to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week.
