DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IS STILL ALIVE & RELEVANT!

Earlier this year, I was engaging in a conversation with other colleagues about the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and initiatives based on the legislation that was passed in multiple states across the country.

During this powerful conversation about the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion, I shared that many would be impacted because of legislation in various states across the country, but despite these challenges, the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion would continue to move forward due to the positive impact that DEI has on everyone.

A few reasons why I felt so strongly about this statement is because the demographics of our nation will require it, multiple studies have revealed the positive impact that diversity, equity, and inclusion principles have on others, and certain challenges within our organizations will not be solved without its implementation.

In effect, the impact of microaggressions, lack of cultural intelligence, the inability to create a culture of belonging, and a variety of other challenges that negatively impact diverse groups of people within organizations not only continue to exist, but when people attempt to remove these types of programs and initiatives, they are essentially removing solutions to the challenges that many diverse communities face.

To help people combat these challenges that many face within our organizations around diversity, equity, and inclusion, I encourage people to reframe their language and words and continue to share the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion that have a lasting impact within the organization.?

For example:

• Instead of using the term “inclusive language”, I encourage people to use responsible language that uplifts, motivates, honors, celebrates, and allows people to experience a sense of belonging.??
• Instead of using the word “equity” as it relates to effective leadership, I encourage emerging leaders to make sure that everyone on their team has all the resources, support, and training that is needed to ensure that they can reach their fullest potential.
• Instead of using the term “inclusive culture”, I encourage people to create a culture of belonging that consists of giving people a voice, respecting all people, appreciating people from different walks of life, and making sure that people feel valued and welcomed.
• Instead of using the term, “cross cultural communication”, I encourage people to say effective communication, and integrate the concepts of cross-cultural communication that enable people to effectively communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds.

In addition to the examples provided above, I also use important principles that stem from diversity, equity, and inclusion to help people become more effective as leaders. I do this by exploring concepts such as leading with love, social awareness, empathy, humility, and collaboration to ensure people are experiencing the positive impact of these important principles that revolve around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

There is a lot more to share on this topic, but my hope is that people realize that diversity, equity, and inclusion is not only still relevant and impactful for everyone, but we all can still share these powerful principles by reframing our words and avoiding those that various people are trying to eradicate across our nation.