Just Work

How to Root Out Bias, Prejudice, and Bullying to Build a Kick-ass Culture of Inclusivity

by Kim Scott

"Just Work (2021)" sheds light on the profound impact of unaddressed bias and discrimination in professional settings. Everyone carries some form of unconscious bias to their jobs. Without direct and proactive measures, these biases can foster a harmful work culture, leaving employees disengaged and underperforming. Addressing these biases benefits everyone involved.

About the Author

Kim Scott, a renowned author of the bestsellers listed by New York Times and Wall Street Journal, such as "Radical Candor", also co-founded a company by the same name. Her extensive experience includes roles as a senior executive at Google and as a CEO coach for prominent companies like Dropbox and Twitter. Additionally, she has taught at Apple University.

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Fostering a Respectful, Collaborative Work Environment

Create a workplace atmosphere that not only allows you to excel but also makes daily collaboration something to look forward to.

Just Work emerges when we focus on fostering respect and enhancing teamwork.

What Obstructs Just Work?

One might assume that Just Work should naturally occur. Most people desire to be part of organizations that promote teamwork; few enjoy feeling pressured. Moreover, who would choose to be in a setting where conformity is enforced over individuality? An Orwellian, 1984-esque workplace stifles creativity and is hardly a place anyone would enjoy.

Yet, the reality often contradicts the ideal of Just Work. Have you ever been made to feel uncomfortable by a coworker's inappropriate remarks? Or overlooked for a promotion despite having more qualifications than others who are more frequently represented? Have you struggled to identify exactly what was amiss?

Frequently, biases and prejudices push us towards uniformity, while bullying nudges us towards coercion. Add power into the mix, and you face discrimination, harassment, or even physical violations, leading to profoundly ineffective workplaces.

Although this inefficacy can seem overwhelming, by dissecting the issues and naming them, we can devise strategies to cultivate the type of respectful and collaborative environment we all desire.

In these summary, you'll discover:

• The often overlooked consequences of remaining silent

• How to distinguish between bias, prejudice, and bullying

• Effective responses when you're unsure of what to say

• Methods for addressing your own biases

• The crucial role of Upstanders in establishing fair workplaces

• Strategies for leaders to actively prevent bias, prejudice, and bullying

• The dynamics when power is involved

• Strategies to ensure power remains a positive force in your team

• Measures to implement checks and balances to prevent the corruption of power