In my opinion, efforts to create a positive organization are marked by 3 ingredients: active listening signals, transparent change management, and visible leadership. Active listening ensures employees feel valued and encourages open communication. But these need to be actively implemented, results need to be shared, and acted upon. Employees know when listening tools are not being leveraged and this can impact their willingness to participate.

Transparent change management practices involve sharing with employees the progress involved in decision-making and communicating said changes clearly. Employees who are brought along when changes are implemented don’t suffer the thrash of not being involved in the evolution of an organization.

Lastly, visible leadership demonstrates accountability and fosters trust. Were their changes that were made that didn’t work for the organization? Having leaders take accountability for those mistakes help instil trust. Together, these elements create a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees thrive.

On your first day, it's crucial to grasp how your role contributes to the broader objectives of the business. Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, and goals to understand how your work aligns with them. Additionally, take the time to comprehend how your company, or your specific function, generates revenue. Armed with this understanding, you'll be better equipped to seek out collaboration opportunities with colleagues and leverage their expertise. Embracing a growth mindset and being adaptable to change are key attitudes to adopt from the outset. Remember, every task, regardless of its size, plays a vital role in driving the overall success of the business.

In the post-COVID era, team management has shifted towards a focus on team effectiveness, particularly with the rise of remote work. Team effectiveness refers to a team's ability to achieve goals while collaborating cohesively. To maintain effective team management, organizations have implemented strategies such as clear communication, technology utilization for remote collaboration, and providing necessary resources for remote work. In other words, how do we make sure we’re all on the same page of what teaming looks like. This can look like clear goal-setting, fostering belonging among team members, and promoting trust and accountability which are also key. Prioritizing team effectiveness ensures resilience and adaptability, leading to successful project outcomes and overall organizational success in the post-COVID landscape.

Looking back to 2023, the most challenging aspect for me was witnessing the significant layoffs within the tech industry, affecting nearly 300,000 roles. What made it particularly frustrating was that many of the impacted positions were in people strategy, HR, and recruiting – crucial areas for organizational success. The irony of seeing these same organizations reintroduce roles in people strategy by the end of 2023 and into 2024 suggests a lack of intentional planning in these initial decisions. Beyond the immediate impact on individuals, these layoffs also had far-reaching consequences on company culture, employee morale, and trust within the organization. I’m hopeful that 2024 brings a new direction and emphasis on intentional organization development and design.

Hope for Haiti is an organization close to my heart as a first-generation Haitian American. Joining the board as co-chair for development and marketing resonates with my passion for staying engaged in the development space, stemming from my experiences in international affairs and my Fulbright fellowship work in Haiti. The organization's mission to enhance the lives of Haitians, particularly women and children, deeply aligns with my values.

Amidst Haiti's challenges, Hope for Haiti distinguishes itself with its focus on sustainable change in healthcare and education. Its vision for Haiti—a place of joyful children, healthy families, and thriving communities—mirrors my own aspirations for my homeland. Supporting Hope for Haiti, especially during crises, is vital to empowering Haitians and fostering resilience. As co-chair, I'm committed to leveraging my skills to contribute meaningfully to the organization's impactful work and to help build a brighter future for Haiti.