The
Struggle with Diversity & Inclusion
If
you work in the business world, you will hear all the time, just how important
diversity and inclusion is. But we see very little diversity, inclusion, or
change in the upper level management/leaders (inclusive of women in
leadership). Further, many CEO's list D&I as important, but do not know how
it is tied directly to business outcomes/objectives. These notions, drove my
thoughts around, how many times do we actively stop and think - "what does
all of that mean?" What does success look like for D&I? At the core,
what is diversity and inclusion anyway?
Where
I believe we struggle with this concept is the foundational acceptance. Why? It
seems as though we have to accept some fundamental truths about D&I, and
develop organizational health from that point:
- Everyone has an opinion and is entitled to owning every aspect of their own personal truth. Acceptance, not agreement, of all beliefs is what inclusion means. This is inclusion.
- We all have a varying perspectives on the world based on our experiences and how we interpret those experiences. This is diversity.
- Both 1 & 2 are needed to grow and develop an innovation culture.
The
things we say, the things we do, the things we don't say and the things we
don't do, drive who we are and what we accept. This is a part of human nature -
since we started walking this planet. The understanding that due to Nature and
Nurture, the 1 world we all share is uniquely different to all of us. But as it
applies to organizational culture, the foundation of an organizations health
will ultimately drive the outcomes of any diversity and inclusion initiative.
"The Success of the Intervention Depends on the Interior Condition of the Intervener." FSG
If
you cannot address organizational culture, you cannot address D&I. As for
the individual, it starts with you. Be the person that is bold for change: the
person who truly accepts everyone, but may not agree with everyone. Not just
the people who look, feel, act, agree, and uniquely perceive the world
similarly to you - but also those who uniquely do not.
What
is www.DuvetToDesk.com -
Innovative | Intentional | Thoughtful | Curious | Productive... I’m a wild mind
with a fire in my soul and a passion for life. The world according to The
Professional Gal.
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