As a senior leader with over four decades in the Communication’s industry I never cease to be amazed by how quickly the lives of individuals and society have become incredibly fast-paced, ubiquitous and interconnected.
The power of open dialogue
Today, many of us have the privilege of working and living with colleagues, clients and neighbours; drawn from every corner of the globe and every conceivable background and heritage. We know that good things happen when we talk, share, collaborate and build together and that terrible things happen when we stop communicating. That’s why I believe it is more important than ever that we are open and honest about personal struggles, social issues and collective crises.
If we openly acknowledge and discuss them, we can create meaningful change and foster healthier, more considered and resilient relationships at the personal, team, business and community level. Afterall, the first step to fixing any issue is to identify and own it.
Visibility and its impact
I have worked in Inclusion and Human Rights organisations for over half of my life and I know that when individuals and groups open up about their difficulties it starts the important job of dismantling stigma and discrimination, in mental health, financial hardship or social injustice for example.
It also helps teams tackle performance and productivity issues and form constructive relationships with clients at potentially difficult times. It suddenly becomes possible to be clear about root causes, try a little innovation and collaborate to brainstorm solutions or build on existing ideas.
Visibility encourages empathy allowing others to understand and relate to experiences they may not share directly or can’t even imagine. I’ve learnt that visibility can be empowering and inspirational particularly for those who may be facing similar issues but feel that they can’t voice them. Seeing others come forward or seek help can create collective purpose and bring things into the public conscience in a way that allows society to confront the issue head on, drawing others to the cause.
The proof in public awareness
Just look at the power of public awareness in bringing the victims of the Post Office scandal one step nearer to justice. The collective visibility that resulted from the TV dramatization of the sub postmasters experience, built solidarity and made it much easier to mobilise resources, essential support and, importantly, get the opinion formers on side.
That’s why I choose to stand up and speak out. To be visible on the issues that matter to me such as inequality, discrimination, animal welfare and climate change. The EHRC’s Windrush report, for example, forced the treatment of the Windrush generation onto the public agenda and prompted policymakers, parliamentarians and communities to take action, right wrongs and implement reforms that can benefit everyone.
I believe that by being visible we create a ‘light’ to shine on hidden problems and injustice. By speaking out we create the ‘heat’ that forces the key players to create an environment where challenges are acknowledged, addressed and learned from not hidden or ignored where they can fester and cause pain and division.
A call to all storytellers
We all need to become storytellers; sharing our personal journeys and creating informed and involved communities to tackle personal, professional, and societal issues.
LinkedIn is a great place to start that journey and to be a catalyst for the sort of people and community we want to be.
About Caroline Waters OBE
Caroline Waters OBE is a senior leader and advocate for inclusion, equality, and social change. Over a forty-year career spanning corporate, public, and not-for-profit sectors, she has held senior roles shaping people strategy, culture, and human-rights policy.
Formerly Director of People & Policy at BT Group and later Deputy Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Caroline has been instrumental in advancing progressive HR practice and championing flexible working, diversity, and equality of opportunity.
She is Vice President of Carers UK and a Trustee of the RSPCA, as well as founder of CW Consulting Box, advising organisations on inclusive leadership and sustainable change.
Awarded an OBE in 2010 for services to diversity and equal opportunities, Caroline continues to be a visible and trusted voice on fairness, leadership, and the social impact of business.
