Understanding how Zip Codes can shape workplace interactions: Cultural change management expert explains
BALTIMORE — Workplace success, or failure, can hinge on unconscious bias regarding class, race, immigration status, gender, politics and identity, explains Cultural Change Management consultant Christopher “CJ” Gross, and the best way forward is through meaningful conversations around these differences and by exploring constructive ways to address them.
“Taking responsibility for addressing biases means you’re taking the first step toward creating a workplace that celebrates differences, fosters creativity and ensures everyone feels heard and respected,” Gross said.
In his book, What’s Your Zip Code Story? Understanding and Overcoming Class Bias in the Workplace, Gross says that recognizing the existence of zip code stories is a critical first step in establishing trust and building relationships — both personally and professionally.
“If you’re in the field of human resources or a business leader, it is critical to understand the zip code stories of employees because the only way you’re going to tap into their talent, tap into their greatness and allow that to flow into your company…is to understand their zip code stories,” he said.
What’s Your Zip Code Story? offers research-based solutions for employees seeking professional growth and for business leaders seeking new ways to engage their teams. Gross provides strategies to help class-migrants — whether college students, recent graduates or overlooked employees — climb the career lattice and transform themselves from undervalued employees into respected leaders. He also offers insights to help organizations understand the impact of diversity on a business’s productivity, turnover and revenue.
What’s Your Zip Code Story? is a powerful book that expands the conversation surrounding class bias, race and equity in the workplace, and offers effective solutions.
“Each of us has our biases and cultural preferences, which makes it very hard for us to understand the perspectives of others,” Gross added. “It’s time we talked about it.”
For more information, please visit https://cjgrosstalks.com/.
What’s Your Zip Code Story?
Understanding and Overcoming Class Bias in the Workplace
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
ISBN-13: 978-1538160589 Available from https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Your-Code-Story-Understanding/dp/1538160587
About the Author
CJ Gross is a bestselling author, thought leader, and sought-after speaker on workplace equity and inclusion. His book, What’s Your Zip Code Story?, and his widely acclaimed Harvard Business Review article, “A Better Approach to Mentorship,” have established him as a pioneer in Cultural Change Management.
A TEDx speaker and founder of Jabbar HR Solutions, a premier HR consulting firm in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., area, Gross has led transformative talks and training sessions for global organizations such as Toyota, United Airlines, Microsoft, and the World Wide Fund for Nature, as well as esteemed institutions like the University of Maryland Medical Center and Oxford Trinity.
As a SHRM Certified Professional, Social and Emotional Intelligence coach, Keirsey Temperament professional, and Intercultural Development Inventory Administrator, he specializes in organizational mediation and leadership development. His expertise has been featured in top media outlets including The Washington Post, Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg, Vogue Business, WUSA 9, WBAL-TV and FOX45.
With a dynamic blend of practical tools and transformative insights, Gross empowers organizations to break barriers, foster belonging and unlock the full potential of their workforce.
