15 BDO | GENDER BALANCE LISTENING EVENTS
ROLE MODELS & LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOUR
Our colleagues spoke about the impact visible role models can have. Not only do they inspire others and make them see what is possible, but within the firm, they open the door for others to follow them.
ACTION
FOR BDO X Identify and call out positive role models. Tell the stories of our leaders and our Partners. Get personal, talk about the difficulties as well as the successes X Speak out more publicly about behaviour that’s not acceptable and what we can all do to eradicate this from the firm X Build on the D&I e-learning for those in leadership positions (not just Partners but also People Managers). FOR COLLEAGUES X Look outside of your team, look across the firm and beyond if needed for your role models X Take some time to think about people you admire and why. What are they doing differently? X Consider your role as an ally, and what you can do to challenge poor behaviour if you see it.
There was a feeling that things have improved during the past 12 months – seeing the more human side of people as we work from home - and that open discussions have become more common place; however there were still comments that some female Partners can be seen as ‘ice queens’ who are unapproachable. There was also a discussion about the need for all those in leadership positions to role model good behaviour and actions. Although not common, a few of the delegates had examples of comments and actions that had left them feeling undermined or doubting their ability. It was disappointing to hear that instances of this sort continue to occur and Paul was clear in his support that this is something we need to stamp out.
A role model doesn’t have to be in the same team, they could be across the firm, or external. This is particularly important when it’s in a part of the business that doesn’t yet have any diverse senior role models. Attendees spoke about how powerful it is when our leaders are honest and share their vulnerability and the challenges and struggles they may have faced through their career (or even now) and how they overcame them or what they learned from them. Honesty is so important in a role model. We only see them coping, we don’t see the challenges. - SM, Audit “
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