Applying the 4 DEI Sentiments

Connecting the 4 Listeners to the 4 DEI Sentiment Lens

The response I received from the Ugh I Got It Wrong video where I outlined the 4 Listeners was extremely positive and continues to be a great learning tool for bias. So, I thought it would be helpful to bridge the 4 Listeners to the 4 DEI Sentiment Lens.

Remember, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are not necessarily ineffective or failing. They are incomplete because they are not creating value across the spectrum of sentiments.

We understand the importance of Belonging in the workplace but we have been neglecting ensuring Belonging specifically in DEI, especially in training or learning workshops. The acknowledgement of each sentiment ensures everyone is included and this increases the efficacy and effectiveness of the learning activity.

Bridging the 4 Listeners to the 4 DEI Sentiment Lens

When you begin with identifying the sentiment and reference the characteristics of each sentiment. It allows you to be inclusive in your thinking that enables the full perspective within a scenario. In this case, it helped to understand four different potential listeners and why my follow up response was so critical.

(These are the same 4 Listener descriptions from the I Got It Wrong Video)

The DEI Sentiment Lens is a framework that can be modified according to topic. This tool shows how to be inclusive of all sides, what to analyze without judging, and how to fully engage participants in your learning activities. Fear of people's perspective that may be unfavorable and knowing how to respond to them especially in public forums can be the reason they remain silent or invisible. However, the entire group misses out on the opportunity to connect meaningfully with each other when we don't bring the real thoughts and real issues to the forefront.

To ask leaders and employees to support the values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means we have to model Belonging within the work itself. This begins with understanding the spectrum of sentiments, bringing them to the conversation and appreciating the value each sentiment brings that will inform a whole and complete perspective in our education and in our decisions.