What do you do if your professional network lacks diversity and inclusivity?

The first step is being honest enough to recognise it. Our own echo chambers can be very comfortable places to be... The next step is to be brave and reach outside of our natural habitats, purposefully and with open minded curiosity. This might mean attending organised networking events which attract a different demographic or address different topics. In my opinion this means face to face and it means being open to new conversations and perspectives...being humble enough to ask the simple questions and listen to the answers.

If your professional network lacks diversity and inclusivity, take proactive steps to expand it. ???? ?Attend events and join groups that focus on diversity and inclusion. ?Engage with professionals from different backgrounds through networking platforms and seek mentorship opportunities. ?Highlight your commitment to diversity on your resume by mentioning involvement in relevant organizations or initiatives. Expand professional network to include diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration and innovation.

In my experience, every network can vary, shaped by the diverse individuals within it. But regardless of differences, what truly matters is how we treat each other. As long as there's respect and consideration, even amidst varying personalities, we can navigate any challenges that arise. It's all about showing empathy and understanding, especially when encountering malicious behaviour. Ultimately, fostering an environment of mutual respect is key to navigating the differences within any network.

Antes de actuar, es fundamental "educar" sobre la importancia de la diversidad y la inclusión en el lugar de trabajo. Esto te ayudará a comprender mejor los problemas y a formar una base sólida para abogar por el cambio.

Use the appreciative inquiry to discover the richness and nuances of human diversity. Use empathy to enrich yourself from the experiences and points of view of those different from you, adapting to the context and take advantage of all that variety and richness to grow as a human being. The experience expands your horizon and your speech, establishing new neural connections, fostering innovation and creativity.

Iniciar conversaciones sobre diversidad e inclusión dentro de tu red profesional. Esto puede implicar compartir artículos, estadísticas o incluso organizar eventos educativos para sensibilizar a tus colegas sobre la importancia de la diversidad en el lugar de trabajo. En resumen Concientizar

Inclusivity is a mindset, I firmly believe this. A demonstration of inclusive behaviours is key to foster inclusion. Examples include showing up on time, responsiveness to emails, requests for help / support, deeply listening to opposing view points... When we display and role model, we are also creating the space for others to do the same. It requires that we are self-aware and sensitive to those around us. This will help us recognise when someone's voice may not be as heard in a discussion, creating the space for them, adopting the common language rather than the majority's language etc. These are simple things but go a long way.

Developing a broad and welcoming professional network is essential for career and personal development. Find holes in your network, go to a variety of events, participate in online forums, ask for introductions, and provide mentorship to do this. This procedure necessitates a sincere desire to comprehend various viewpoints and constant dedication. Through the identification of gaps, participation in varied events, meaningful dialogues, and providing mentorship, you may broaden your professional network and effectively lead and innovate within a progressively diverse and global environment.

Educate yourself about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in professional settings. Seek out resources such as books, articles, podcasts, and training programs that explore topics related to diversity, unconscious bias, privilege, and allyship. Expand your understanding of the experiences and perspectives of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Building and preserving a diversified professional network requires emotional intelligence (EI). It involves inclusive communication, self-awareness, emotional control, conflict resolution, and empathic listening. Emotional intelligence (EI) facilitates healthy discourse, good reaction management, and comprehension of various points of view. Additionally, it aids in reducing tensions brought on by cultural differences or divergent viewpoints. Emotional intelligence (EI) facilitates a feeling of community and trust by modifying communication methods. This promotes candid conversation, teamwork, and idea sharing. This encourages development and innovation inside the network.

Se debe abogar por la implementación de políticas y prácticas inclusivas en tu red profesional. Esto puede incluir la revisión de procesos de contratación para garantizar la equidad, el establecimiento de programas de capacitación en diversidad y sensibilidad cultural, y la promoción de un entorno de trabajo donde todas las voces sean valoradas. Además se debe procurar expandir tu red profesional de manera intencional, buscando conexiones con personas de diferentes antecedentes, experiencias y perspectivas. Esto no solo enriquecerá tu red personal, sino que también contribuirá a la diversidad de tu red profesional en general.

To improve diversity in one's network, it is important to be intentional about it. It also begins with asking oneself - how will diversity in my network benefit me? how is the lack of it limiting me today? What kind of diversity do I need? A few years ago, to break out of my feelings of stagnation and the need to add newness to my thinking and perspectives, I joined several groups- from a range of subjects- Reading clubs, Improv acting classes and community projects. All this helped me increase my circle. But mostly, it helped me grow and expand my world view. And this in turn helped me add greater value to my clients.

Support diversity initiatives. Get involved in initiatives or organizations that promote diversity and inclusion in your industry or community. Volunteer, donate, or participate in events that aim to create more equitable opportunities for all individuals. By taking these steps, you can help to create a more diverse, inclusive, and enriching professional network that reflects a wide range of perspectives and experiences. This can not only benefit you personally and professionally but also contribute to positive change in your industry and beyond.

By leveraging emotional intelligence to address the lack of diversity and inclusivity within your professional network, you can create a more welcoming, equitable, and supportive environment for all members. Through self-reflection, education, dialogue, advocacy, and allyship, you can play a meaningful role in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in your professional community.