How are leadership and POSH workshops are connected?
Both POSH and leadership training address power dynamics, accountability, and inclusive cultures. Yet, POSH is often treated as a checkbox. Real change happens when we give it the same seriousness as leadership development.
In this edition of #todayinposh, I want to talk about leadership workshops and how I see a lot of similarities of such workshops with POSH awareness sessions.
- Creating a Positive Work Environment: Both POSH training and leadership training aim to cultivate a positive work environment. POSH training focuses on preventing sexual harassment and creating a safe and respectful workplace for all employees. Leadership training, on the other hand, emphasises creating a supportive and inclusive culture that promotes collaboration, growth, and employee well-being. Both trainings ultimately strive to foster a positive and healthy work environment.
- Addressing Power Dynamics: Both trainings recognise the importance of understanding power dynamics within the organisation. Leadership training explores different leadership styles, the impact of power, and strategies for managing and leveraging power effectively. In a similar vein, POSH training addresses power imbalances that can contribute to sexual harassment and emphasizes the need for accountability and equity in workplace relationships. Both trainings encourage participants to be mindful of power dynamics and their influence on workplace dynamics.
- Promoting Effective Communication: Effective communication is a shared emphasis in both POSH and leadership training. Leadership training highlights the significance of clear and open communication for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and fostering collaboration. Similarly, POSH training underscores the importance of effective communication in preventing and addressing instances of sexual harassment. Both trainings equip participants with communication skills to create respectful and transparent interactions.
- Encouraging Accountability: Both training stress the importance of accountability. Leadership training focuses on leaders taking responsibility for their actions, decisions, and the impact they have on their teams and the organisation as a whole. POSH training emphasises the need for individuals to be accountable for their behaviour, understand the consequences of sexual harassment, and actively contribute to a harassment-free workplace. Both trainings foster a culture of accountability at different levels within the organization.
- Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity: Both training recognise the value of inclusivity and diversity. Leadership training emphasises the importance of embracing diverse perspectives, fostering an inclusive culture, and leveraging the strengths of a diverse workforce. POSH training highlights the significance of creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included, irrespective of their gender, race, or background. Both trainings promote the benefits of inclusivity and diversity in driving organisational success.
While POSH training primarily focuses on preventing sexual harassment, and leadership training concentrates on developing effective leadership skills, these shared similarities allow for integration and reinforcement of positive workplace behaviours, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more harmonious work environment.
However, I often see that POSH workshops are often treated merely as a tick box activity. If we want to create a positive change, then we need to change our perspective and treat POSH workshops with more seriousness than just as a legal compliance.