Today is International Women’s Day and we spent 60 seconds with Abi Dove, one of our Fairness, Inclusion and Respect Ambassadors to talk about breaking down hidden bias
Could you tell us your name and what you do?
I’m Abi Dove and I’m the Training Centre Coordinator for HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd
And what does that involve?
Working within the training team and arranging essential courses which enable our people to improve their personal and professional development.
Could you tell us about your role as a FIR Ambassador?
FIR aligns with my core values as an individual and what I believe is important for our business. As a FIR Ambassador, I’m a role model for Fairness, Inclusion and Respect in the workplace. I lead by example to promote the business and individual benefits of those values. On a day-to-day basis I practice being an impartial listener and encourage open discussion with my colleagues about FIR. Where necessary, I challenge behaviours that are not in the best interests of FIR.
What are your ambitions as a FIR Ambassador?
To encourage a positive working culture where people feel valued and respected which in turn promotes a more productive and happier workforce for the organisation
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias, what does this mean to you?
We cannot escape the fact that biases exist, some are even unconscious! They can influence our actions, decisions, the advice we listen to and the way we interact with others. To create a healthy, productive workplace it is important to #BreakTheBias and remember that all people are different and different minds offer unique and new perspectives. Through self-awareness and by recognising that these biases should be prevented from entering the workplace we can take a step in the right direction as individuals and as an industry.
What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment, personally or professionally?
Purchasing my own property, solo! This coincided with starting my job here. I worked in a variety of roles over the years to build up the experience necessary to gain better employment and fund the deposit.
What is the biggest mistake you’ve made that taught you a valuable lesson?
Measuring my success against the achievements of my peers. I’ve learned it is better to focus on yourself and your own achievements and make your objectives and successes personal to you.
What are the traits and achievements you’d most like to be known for?
Honesty, compassion, loyalty, and dependability
If you could do anything knowing you couldn’t fail, what is the one occupation you’d love to have and why?
Whichever occupation I chose: success, money, fame, glory; whatever I desired would be guaranteed every time! However, if I cannot fail, there would be no personal satisfaction or sense of achievement in doing the job which for me would get quite boring after a while!