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Dear Faculty RelationsÌý—ÌýI'm an academic leader committed to fostering a sense of belonging for all faculty in our department. How should I focus my efforts? – Believes in BelongingÌý

Dear Believes in BelongingÌý—ÌýWe’re fortunate that CU Boulder professor Dr. Stefanie K. Johnson is an expert in this subject. In her keynote for Excellence in Leadership Program Fellows and alums this past year, she highlighted contributing factors to an individual’s sense of workplace belongingÌýthat might focus your efforts.Ìý

My Voice Is HeardÌý
Feeling heard is the most essential contributing factor. Ask yourself, how can I work to ensure that every faculty member feels heard? Might anyone feel excluded from critical meetings, social events, or personal connection with colleagues?ÌýÌý

I’m Treated FairlyÌý
When someone perceives that their identity is impacting their access to opportunity, it’s hard for them to feel that they belong. Ask yourself, how can I equitably support opportunity for everyone?Ìý

I’m EssentialÌýÌý
Individuals thrive when they feel that they’re essential to the success of their team. Ask yourself, how can I communicate to people that their unique expertise, talents, and contributions are critical to the team's success?Ìý

Dr. Johnson emphasized that individuals want to feel that they belong as they are. This means feeling that they don’t need to show up differently to be heard and valued. She stresses five actions that anyone can take, represented by the acronym AEIOU. Ìý

Amplify: Ensure that your colleagues' voices are heard and that their ideas areÌýrecognized.Ìý

Edify: Increase your knowledge to teach your colleagues and to support theirÌýgrowth and development.Ìý

Identify: Work to build personal relationships with team members. Ìý

Optify: Take every opportunity to shine a light on others’ accomplishments!Ìý

Unify: Engage everyone in the team in working toward the inclusion and belongingÌýof all.Ìý

Fostering belonging is a critical component of leadership. Ask your colleague leaders what strategies and ideas they can share with you, and delve deeper with Dr. Johnson’s book (Harper Business, 2020).ÌýÌý

Written by Merinda McLure, Faculty Director for Academic Leadership Development, Office of Faculty Affairs, drawing on a keynote presented by Dr. Stefanie K. Johnson. and copies of Inclusify can be accessed through the University Libraries. Ìý