On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” oration from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. In my opinion, this particular speech is probably the most amazing, and most thought provoking of King’s speeches, and maybe of anyone’s.
Let me direct your attention to one specific line of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
“I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
Focus for just a moment on the phrase “content of character.”
It’s specifically in “content of character” that King gave us tremendous insight into how each of us can make the world a better place, a place where all people are created free and equal.
This is not about affirmative action or diversity training, but rather the critical importance of participating in, and building, inclusive environments where people with varied perspectives, skills and experiences collaborate.
One of your highest responsibilities as a leader is to set the conditions for equality in the workplace. Let’s define equity as the assurance that your workplace gives every person a fair and equal chance to be successful.
As you prepare workplace programs for 2012, consider how important equality is to your organization.
At UpSearch, it is important enough to craft an equality statement.
Shawn Upchurch | LinkedIn | Twitter | Google+ | leads UpSearch | fierce advocate for equality
