Is "Easy Diversity" Distracting Us from the Real Issues at Work?
In my two previous newsletters, I shared stories of inclusion efforts in 2024 as experienced by my clients. I discussed examples of how clients experience and find solutions for addressing diversity related to food restrictions and preferences, generations in the workplace, work status (e.g. full-time employees vs contractors), mental health, neurodiversity and political idealogy.
All of these topics were pain points for clients and by addressing them, they took huge steps forward in creating tangible and meaningful changes towards more inclusive workplace cultures. Yay! I’m often asked, however, if focusing on topics like food diversity is diverting attention from more pressing issues like race and gender—areas that have deep, systemic impacts on employees and the workplace. As an African American woman, this question weighs heavily on me.
I share these concerns. After much reflection, here’s where I stand
I believe in meeting clients where they are. If they see a need to focus on a particular aspect of inclusion, I support that. Starting with what feels manageable can be a powerful way to build momentum. Once people experience the benefits of inclusion—no matter where they begin—they often feel inspired, encouraged, and emboldened to tackle more complex and consequential topics.
The good news is that the inclusive behaviors required to navigate differences in food preferences are the same ones needed to address gender and racial disparities. Practicing these behaviors regularly builds the muscle memory needed to apply them in more challenging contexts.
But here’s the key: as organizations progress in their inclusion and belonging efforts, it's vital to challenge themselves. For every step forward, ask, "What’s a bigger challenge we need to tackle next?" Don’t allow the focus on easier topics to become a comfortable distraction. Instead, use the momentum from these initial successes to confront the harder, more consequential issues like race and gender.
Inclusion and belonging are journeys of constant growth which require us to consistently push the boundaries of what we believe is possible.
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Ask Me Anything
To get my honest takes on tough questions and tailored advice on how to navigate these evolving needs, don’t miss out on my upcoming Q&A session, Ask Me Anything: Advancing Inclusion and Belonging at Work on September 11th at 11:30am CT.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to delve into your specific challenges and get actionable insights to enhance your inclusion efforts.
Register now and and bring your questions!
More Resources
Catch up on my past webinars to explore how leaders can be guided through the entire journey of embracing inclusion as a core competency. Each webinar addresses a crucial stage of the ADKAR change model, which stands for Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement.
This model is essential for making meaningful progress in inclusive leadership. It helps leaders recognize the need for inclusivity, fosters a genuine desire to change, equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills, and ensures that inclusivity becomes a consistent practice rather than a fleeting initiative.
Here’s how each webinar aligns with the ADKAR model:
Guiding Leaders Through the Inclusive Leadership Change Journey
The Belonging Builder Learning Lab is my signature inclusive leadership development program is a comprehensive, one-stop solution for equipping leaders with the tools they need to navigate and excel in the change journey.
The Learning Lab provides a structured approach, offering short explainer videos reflection experiences small group discussions, and practical strategies to help leaders emerge as confident, inclusive leaders who can bridge across all differences at work to foster a sense of belonging in everyone.
Watch an overview and demo of the program HERE . ?
See You In September
Catch up on these valuable resources and bring your questions to the Q&A session .
Let’s continue our journey towards fostering a truly inclusive and thriving workplace for everyone!
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