iF's DEI Journey: Part 4

Intentional Futures as an agency and collection of individuals is on a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey. The intent of this journey is to evaluate the current state of our policies, practices, client work and culture with a DEI lens, but also to celebrate the unique cultures, backgrounds and expertise of iFsters. As we continue on this journey of self discovery and critical thinking, we invite you to join us and welcome all that you will contribute to make this a transformative and fulfilling process.?

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Emerging from sessions intended to help iFsters develop the capacity to engage in transparent and vulnerable communication, build trust with each other, and create appreciation for the diversity of culture at iF, “Undoing of the Assumption of Otherness” sought to have attendees think more deeply about the transformative power of coming together and working as a collective.

Goals for this training were:?

• Solidify and and explore how to implement the concepts that that have been introduced
• Build on the collective socio-cultural lens
• Synthesize the information we have learned and begin practicing
• Begin the process of thinking about how we responsibly respond to the call to action
• Learn concepts that inform the socio-cultural lens
• Continue building accountability with each other

Prior to jumping into the material, iFsters were asked to share how they have been impacted by the journey to this point, including how they were implementing the learning and concepts. It was noted that as a result of the sessions, individuals were able to break from analysis and the paralysis of feeling “bad” about the situation and move toward action.?

iFsters were first asked to consider when they first became aware of culture, and when they first began thinking critically about it. More so than the other sessions, this training emphasized Intentional Futures positionally, and how the history of consulting as an industry shapes the culture of the practice today. From there, the culture of iF was discussed, including how that culture clashes with those we interact with. In a global sense, some of iF’s clients are across oceans, thus leading to obvious differences in communication styles, meeting preferences and general best practices in work. Closer to home, some clients of iF favor pedigree and subject matter expertise over other strengths which is not typically how iF operates.?

“I appreciated that our DEI journey was tied so explicitly to our work as consultants in this session!” -iFster

After acknowledging iF’s cultural differences in our work, we explored how to counter those differences. To meet others where they’re at, and to maintain a willingness to suspend what you think you know, cultural humility is key, and requires the following:??

• Listen to understand
• Know that what you learn about another person’s culture stems from being open to what they have determined is their personal expression of their heritage and culture
• Practice empathy
• Look past data and statistics

The session concluded with small group discussions challenging personal assumptions and collective organizational assumptions when it comes to client and community interactions. Moving forward, a newly formed DEI task force will begin regularly meeting, and then an organization self-assessment will be performed, followed by cohort work and self-care.?

To learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Intentional Futures, send a message to?[email protected]?