Diversity is more human than you think
Stacey A. Gordon, MBA
Bias Disruptor ?? Unapologetic Evangelist for Inclusion ?? Top Voice in Gender Equity ??Global Keynote Speaker ?? #1 Course of LinkedIn Learning (2021)
Welcome to Simply Diversity. This bimonthly letter breaks down key diversity concepts and explains how you can apply them... simply. There are plenty of terms heard ‘round the Internet as we prioritize diversity, inclusion and belonging in everything we do. This newsletter explains what these concepts are, why they’re important, and how to practice them.
In Simply Diversity 01 we broke down what diversity actually IS, and a big issue facing diversity communication and practice.
Now I want to talk about why it matters.
If you’re reading this you probably know (or think you know) why diversity matters, but answering the ‘why’ is key to making sure that all dimensions of diversity are welcome in our spaces.
Break it down:
You’ve heard it said that if you can't explain it to a six year old, you probably don't understand it yourself. But when it comes to diversity, you don’t have to explain why it matters to a six year old. They already get it.
Young children understand that all people are worthy of love. When you’re little you don’t judge differences. You don't assign any meaning to difference! It’s not until the world teaches you that “girls can’t do this” and “those people live in that part of town” that differences begin to have value-based meanings.
Diversity matters because, very simply, all people are inherently worthy of respect, opportunities, and love. And while you’ve probably heard me talk about the business case for diversity and its impact on the workplace, diversity matters not just as a guarantee of creativity, productivity and innovation, but as a reflection of who we are as people.
Diversity is all around us. It is fundamental to our existence. Think about siblings, raised by the same parents in the same household. They’re not identical! They have their own looks, personalities, neurological differences, and may have different sexual orientations, gender identities, and of course, experiences.
Truth is? Diversity is human — homogeneity is not. “Diversity” is not a mountain to conquer but a fact of our humanity. And once we recognize the diversity inherent among us, welcoming more of it into our work and social spaces seems like an opportunity, not a burden.
Do Something Different:
Take a moment to appreciate the diversity, the differences, among you and those closest to you. Wouldn’t you be bored to tears if your partner were exactly like you?
Think about a time you were grateful for the diversity in your life right now. Did a colleague offer a new perspective that made your product better? Did your partner help you see something in a new way? Do the differences between your children delight you?
Leave a comment about what you realize — I’ve shared one of my realizations. I’d love to hear from you.
- Stacey
Commitment to diversity and inclusion is a start. But are your workplace’s policies effective? Take this quick, FREE assessment to discover how well your workplace is doing on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) — and to gain valuable insight on enhancing your efforts. Click here to take the free assessment now >>
?? Head of Bilateral Projects I ?? PhD in Foreign Policy & Soft Power I ?? LinkedIn Top Voice I ?? Diplomacy/Tech/Culture I ?? Neurospicey
4 年This is so incredibly imporant. Thanks Stacey!
Child and Youth Development Professional
4 年It is because of diversity the new perspectives, solutions and knowledge comes every day. We have thrive as species because of the collaboration of all. Love this article because of the undeniable truth that holds. ?
Leadership + Career Coach | Helping Women Be Seen, Heard, Promoted, and PAID | LinkedIn Learning Instructor | Beyond Barriers Founding Member
4 年I recently started working with a permaculture garden designer and I said, "I really want to build a privacy hedge out of bamboo, but I know it's not native to the northwest..maybe I'll be judged..." And she said "nature prefers diversity, it's how we survive and thrive. Nothing is out of bounds. So let's look at the environment you want to create and go from there. Nature knows how to adapt and do what's best for itself." The metaphor kinda blew my world.
Career Advisor | Learning Coach | Adult Educator
4 年LOVED this breakdown! It took me back to my undergrad days, where I studied environmental geography. We talked a LOT about biodiversity's role in the long-term survival of individual species, habitats and ecosystems. This was long before "save the bees" was the printed on Cheerios boxes. So often, we talk about the business case side of diversity, but we can get even more foundational than that just by looking at biology. Diversity is critical to our survival as a species.
PMO Lead at Cirdan Ltd.
4 年Living in Northern Ireland, for many decades during the Troubles there was such division between Protestants and Catholics. Thankfully this is now changing and people have become humanised again rather than a label. My child attends an integrated school (the first of its kind back in the 1980s, where children of all religious beliefs are educated together) and I was delighted that in his first year his class visited churches of different types and faiths. Like you, Stacey, I get a lot out of the perspective of my co-workers who are from different religious backgrounds. I feel so encouraged by our young people and think they will be the biggest game-changers in NI on this aspect of diversity for many generations.