In May, we spotlighted intercultural dialogue as part of our observance of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. This month, as we talk about our global mindset, we think it is important to revisit the importance of connection across cultures.
At L&P, we do great work together by encouraging connection and the open exchange of perspectives and ideas between teams around the world. It’s how we build understanding, unite above our differences, and stay innovative.
Judith Kuhn, HR Director – Specialized Products Europe & Global HR Lead – Hydraulics, shared a quick tip and resource for collaborating across cultures more effectively. She said we can start by being aware of cultural differences – how we communicate, manage time, make decisions, and lead differently – and pointed us to an introduction of Erin Meyer’s eight-scale Culture Map to learn more.
For more information on collaborating across cultures, check out Erin Meyer’s book called The Culture Map.
Today, we’re remembering the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution – which granted women the right to vote – in 1920. We’re also celebrating the achievements of women’s rights activists and are reminded of the unique struggles women face in the pursuit of equality.
We asked members of our Women’s ERG to share when they feel empowered, who inspires them, and ways we can advocate for women:
I feel empowered when. . .
Someone proactively reaches out to me for help, because they’ve seen me demonstrate knowledge and capability elsewhere.
I am recognized for my talent and given new opportunities.
I can be open and honest about challenges I’m dealing with. Feeling heard and being able to collaborate to bring change is very empowering.
My voice is heard and contributions are valued. When I have the opportunity to lead a team or an initiative, I take pride in owning the creation or leading execution. I feel stifled and devalued when I’m micromanaged and not given the freedom to lead or when my work isn’t appreciated.
I accomplish goals I’ve set for myself or when I’ve helped family or friends accomplish their goals.
I am given the opportunity to develop and take on a new role or project while being supported by leadership.
We can advocate for womenby. . .
Asking them to participate in public forums, calling on them for their feedback and praising their accomplishments.
Sharing our skills and accomplishments, as well as being open about our struggles or difficulties we face in our careers and personal lives.
Encouraging women to ‘go for it’. Apply for that position, even though you don’t think you are 100% ready. Put the insecurities aside and take a leap of faith!
Representing and supporting them in conversations, whether they are in the room or not.
A woman who inspires meis. . .
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, because she’s not afraid that she’s too young or lacks power to speak her mind in a male-dominated environment.
My mentor. She encourages me to improve my skills, learn new things, gives me honest and helpful feedback, and the care she has for her work is reflected in her accomplishments.
My grandmother. She didn’t have access to financial resources or know how to pursue higher education in her small town. She worked incredibly hard for her family and retired as a senior leader for a large clothing company. She always valued others’ contributions and treated people with respect no matter who they were or where they came from.
Women who inspire me lead by example and work to encourage and develop those around them.
Celebrated every July, Disability Pride Month reminds us that disabilities are a part of who we are and our diversity. It’s also a chance to learn more about the unique perspectives of the disability community and advocate for them.
At L&P, we’re always learning, especially from one another. Here are some valuable resources around disability etiquette, allyship, and accessibility with lessons we can apply throughout the year:
Each quarter, the Women’s ERG focuses on a theme as an opportunity for learning, collaboration, and raising awareness. This quarter, the group explored allyship. Allyship refers to the actions, behaviors, and practices that individuals take to support and advocate for others, particularly those who don’t share the same social identities.
During their monthly meetings, the group invited guests, including David Brown, President of L&P Hydraulics, John Dowdell, President – Hanes Geo Components, and Tammy Trent, Senior Vice President – Chief Accounting Officer, to speak on their personal experiences of allyship and what it means to be an ally. They encouraged members to invite an ally to the monthly meetings. In addition, the group surveyed its members and shared moving testimonials of when they needed or proved to be an ally to someone.
“Needing an ally, having an ally, and being an ally go full circle and include small, daily actions to make everyone feel included and welcome,” says Sarah Peterson, Program Manager. “Now more than ever, we need each other, and what better reason to celebrate allyship.”
Throughout their sessions, the group showcased that allyship is not just about bridging the gap between education and action. It’s a journey of personal growth, teaching us about emotional intelligence and the profound importance of human connection to be more effective in work and life.
“Allyship offers and promotes productivity, creates a sense of belonging, and ensures inclusivity in the workplace,” says Isabel Perez Infante, National Category Sales Manager. “Everybody has the opportunity to be an ally and have an ally.”
Breanna Wagster, Director of Human Resources, agrees, “Allyship opportunities exist all around us, some in the smallest of forms and others with greater magnitude, but it is up to us to intentionally seek, recognize, and act on these opportunities to be better allies for others and ourselves.”
Tips for Being an Ally
Roxanne Willard, Demand/Office Manager, shares some tips for being an ally at work and in our Leggett & Platt communities.
Listen more than you speak to hear opportunities when allyship is needed, then step up and be an ally.
Look for opportunities to publicly praise people doing good work.
Seek the positive. Allyship is about uplifting and advocating.
Focus on being an ally, and the undesirables fall to the bottom of the list.
Thank you to Sarah, Isabel, Breanna, Roxanne, and the Women’s ERG leadership team for promoting allyship and doing their part to make Leggett & Platt a more inclusive, compassionate workplace.
If you are interested in joining the Women’s ERG, please reach out to a member to get started!
At L&P, we’re on a journey to make meaningful change in our company through inclusion, diversity, and equity (ID&E), and we’re excited for you to meet our ID&E Director – James Millsap (Millsap)!
What brought you to L&P?
I’ve been an ID&E practitioner for many years, and I was in the manufacturing space before my time with Leggett & Platt. However, a desire to grow my career brought me to L&P, and I have received a very warm welcome.
Tell us about your role as ID&E Director. What are you looking forward to, and why is ID&E important to you?
Overall, I look at ID&E as a pretty big contributing factor to employee engagement and the employee experience. I want to work with everyone at L&P to create a company where we can all thrive, and I’m looking forward to helping our company continue this journey and decide what’s the next right move for us.
I am relentlessly optimistic about aiming for a top-tier employee experience for all. I believe we can do this when we live out our values – when we work together to take ownership and raise the bar for what’s possible.
What’s something interesting about you?
I can quote Disney’s Aladdin almost word for word.
Belonging is more than a feeling – it’s a space we create between us. It’s knowing that we’re welcome at L&P and there’s a place for more than our skills. There’s room for who we are.
As many of our colleagues and communities around the world celebrate and lift up the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month, we join them by reaffirming that you belong here. We commit to strengthening workplaces that create space for everyone, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Supporting The Trevor Project
Pride Month is also a time to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. At L&P, we made a monetary contribution to The Trevor Project – the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth. Because they are often stigmatized in society, LGBTQ+ youth have an increased risk of dying by suicide when compared to their peers.
Learning More During PrideMonth
If you’d like to learn more about LGBTQ+ history, experiences, and supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues, check out the following resources:
Pride by Google Arts & Culture: Learn about Pride marches throughout the years, the Stonewall Uprising, LGBTQ+ artists, and more.
At L&P, safety – both physical and psychological – is a top priority.
We’re committed to creating safe workplaces, and we’re very proud of our teams around the world for putting people first. They prioritize safety, care for one another, and create an inclusive environment of mutual respect, empathy, and belonging.
This month on L&P social, we’re excited to share content and stories related to safety and belonging with you!
At L&P, we do great work together by encouraging connection and the open exchange of perspectives and ideas between teams around the world. It’s how we build understanding, unite above our differences, and stay innovative.
Judith Kuhn, HR Director – Specialized Products Europe & Global HR Lead – Hydraulics, shared a quick tip and resource for collaborating across cultures more effectively. She said we can start by being aware of cultural differences – how we communicate, manage time, make decisions, and lead differently – and pointed us to an introduction of Erin Meyer’s eight-scale Culture Map to learn more.
For more information on collaborating across cultures, check out Erin Meyer’s book called The Culture Map.
Our Automotive team in India recently celebrated Pongal – a Hindu harvest festival that marks the beginning of the month called Thai and is celebrated by people with ties to Tamil Nadu, India.
Lasting for four days, Pongal involves new beginnings, giving thanks, and strengthening communal ties. Families clean their homes, remove unwanted items, and decorate the entrances of their homes with kolam – beautiful floor patterns created from rice flour. They also gather together for festive meals, which includes boiling pots of pongal – a traditional mix of rice and milk. During the festival, the community honors Surya, the Sun God, and cattle for helping bring a bountiful harvest.
To celebrate, our colleagues in India gathered for a small pooja (worship ceremony), played games, and created kolam. A couple of our colleagues shared their thoughts on the celebration:
Pugazhendi, Manufacturing Department, said, “I liked participating in our event and was thrilled to win the pot break challenge. Every year during Pongal, L&P gives us time to spend with family, and I’m grateful for that. I’m looking forward to more special events in the future.”
E. Sharath Kumar, Manufacturing Department, shared, “Pongal is a fun-packed event that keeps us engaged and united. I had a lot of fun participating in the activities and got second place during one of the games.”
Check out some of the photos from the event below!