DEI Aftermath

I have spoken about this work of DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) before, in some of my previous posts, but this one is more direct. Being honest, DEI did not work for me. While I champion celebrating diversity and inclusion, and firmly believe in equity's vital role, I'm clear that the standard DEI approach fell short. If I as a DEI practitioner did not feel safe, then how could I say DEI was truly doing its part?

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In conversations with colleagues, it became apparent that DEI failed to appropriately tackle core issues of mindset and behavior, neglecting human psychology's fundamental role. DEI isn't straightforward; despite its inception during a spike in racial injustice led to a narrow focus that ignored broader workplace and societal challenges.

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I will add here that I do not think it takes a psychologist like me, to highlight that many of the systems and strategies that were being developed within many DEI approaches were unable to adequately elevate the essential element of human behaviour. I have always said, DEI is not sexy, and it is not just a black and white issue. That narrow orientation, in my opinion, was sparked due to a time when racial injustice was spiking again in the U.S., as mentioned earlier. However, from a global perspective, there were several issues in both the workplace and social settings that DEI sought to address in a manner that would expand not just awareness but also experience. The challenge is, not everyone is ready for new experiences, especially when it calls for new thinking and approach.

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Earlier this week, I had a call where DEI was cynically dubbed as an “umbrella sneak attack”, for people along varying degrees of the identity spectrum, to become validated in “inappropriate and outlandish actions”. Can you tell the conversation was quite colourful?

This illustrates how DEI discussions often alienate rather than engage, contributing to a backlash evident in defunded diversity initiatives and roles.

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As a former DEI practitioner, I absolutely understand how individuals can feel uncomfortable when discussing intersectionality and how much that term even causes people to just shut down. DEI has probably caused, dear I say, more people to tune out of important issues than tune in. Thinking on the various “cuts” and “dismissals” of DEI professionals I bet some success was made, or I would hope so…but based on my own experiences with DEI efforts, the successes are few and far between. And the professionals who lead or guide these strategies are often left feeling traumatized.

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I say DEI did not work for me, as it truly added weight to the already packed process of navigating my social context in the U.S., as an immigrant woman of colour. In some ways, it became a role of attempted martyrdom. Being open and vulnerable while holding space for others to feel comfortable in their vulnerability, all while still having to deal with the imposed and projected expectations…I tell you being dissociated is more common than many of us would like to think. It is no wonder there are so many healing circles for Black identifying women and women of colour. Code switching not just your speech but also your identity, while working on being authentic, but knowing your authenticity makes people feel threatened is a hell of a balancing act.

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Doing outright DEI work truly exposed me to some of the harshest experiences in my career. And for me, I had enough of those assaults and frustrations. The aftermath of DEI left me more exhausted than ever before. I anticipate former DEI professionals will document their struggles, leading to either a revamped DEI approach or a continued neglect of vulnerability.

I tell you, human behaviour is like clockwork.

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In closing this musing for the week, with my homage of sorts to DEI…Thanks for the memories and the MANY lessons. Now to take care of myself for real and do work in the spaces I enjoy and with folks who are jazzed about meeting strategic goals by leveraging people assets. Sounds a bit DEI-ish…lololol. Be patient with me, I am still in the purge phase ;)

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Here is to embracing another adventure!

Be Well!

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