Walking the walk on diversity and inclusion requires more than workshops and policies. D&I need to be part of who you are as leaders and as an organization. Try these four steps to start being about diversity:
- Be rooted in empathy. You can show empathy even if you don’t have shared experienced with another person.
- Normalized difficult conversations. Realize that you may need to have uncomfortable conversations about a variety of subjects you’re not used to discussing. Be willing to listen and understand. Be open and honest.
- Get all hands on deck. Get real input from people at all levels and from different backgrounds.
- Be a proactive ally and shut down microaggressions. Use your position to address colleagues who are being reckless or irresponsible with words.
