As a woman in human resources roles amidst the still male-dominated world of engineering, Lisa Gustavsson says she might easily be perceived as pushing the “soft” topics. “One of the most important things in my job is to make the link between the soft values, such as culture and behavior, and the business results become visible. To do that you need to be involved and engaged at many different levels in the organization”
Close to the top of her list for workplace transformation are truly embracing diversity; expressing vulnerability with colleagues at all levels; being yourself at work, “whether you’re shy, or extrovert like I am”; being curious about other people’s perspectives, rather than persuasive or determined to turn people to your own point of view; and having fun in your working life. (The way Lisa emphasizes the word “fun” can make people instantly recall the joy of what they do.)
Leading by example, Lisa admits that 10 years ago she thought adaptability and flexibility were the most desirable qualities to bring to work — that they would help her through any challenges. She describes her belief in our continuous development as human beings.
"We develop and change as a result of what we are facing at work as well as in our leisure time. I have learnt over the years because of challenges I have been through, that the key at least for me, to be able to continue to perform and thrive at work is to feel safe and trusted, knowing that I am valued for what I can contribute with."
“Being welcome and appreciated at work gets me through challenges, both on and off work. It has been OK to be my whole self, to be less happy and patient some days. My manager, Björn Jonsson, Global Business Line Manager for Hoisting, who I’ve worked with for seven years, backs me up, provide support and also challenges me, which gives me the motivation and comfort I need to be able to succeed at work.”
That sense of belonging and satisfaction in achievement took precedence over adaptability for Lisa, and she is working to foster a similar sensation for everyone in the hoisting business of ABB ever since.
Inclusiveness is primary to her work both on and off the payroll.
At work, she says diversity must come second to inclusion, because “We can hire as diverse as we want, but we won't be able to keep the diversity or take advantage of that diversity if we are not inclusive in our actions, in the words we use and in our culture.”
Driven by a strong awareness of injustice and a desire to tackle it, Lisa has also volunteered for many years with organizations that welcome refugees to Sweden. “We helped them get settled in, get whatever they need from a practical perspective with clothes and things, but also help them make connections,” she says.
She has struggled, however, with how to translate her dedication to human rights into her role at ABB: “It’s not enough for me, working for a company with sustainability at the forefront (we do truly make a difference); or to work for a company that has signed the UN Standards of Conduct for Business Tackling Discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. I need to do something!”
At ABB she resolved to use her position of influence to bring challenging issues such as discriminating behaviors and domestic violence, into discussion.
“By definition,” she says, “domestic violence happens at home, but I think we can make a difference by starting to talk about it in the workplace.” If it means that one person feels they can share with their manager that their life at home is not OK, and start a process of change, it will be worth it, says Lisa. She describes the same to be relevant for many topics within the area of diversity, that if we dare to make it part of our agenda also at work, we may be able to support our employees to feel safe not only at work but also supported in their life off work.
Being comfortable with the uncomfortable and trusting in shared humanity with your colleagues is part of truly enjoying your working life. “I think that’s when you’re unstoppable,” Lisa says. “When you’re allowed to be who you are and don’t have to hide it; when you have fun in what you do, whether that’s through technical craftsmanship or because you love contributing to a great team — that’s when you perform at your best. That’s when you become unstoppable. That’s definitely how it has been for me and I think a lot of people can relate to that.”
