Diversity Management and Inclusion Action #3 Decide to be curious and interested in learning about other cultures. Are you willing to take a risk, observe other people’s behaviors and ask questions in appropriate ways? If you’re not interested or willing to view situations from another perspective, it won’t matter how many countries you visit, or diversity potlucks you attend.
Inclusionist Action #2 Let go of the label Think of someone that you labeled based on another person’s comment. How did you treat that person because of that label. When you find yourself affixing a label on someone, ask yourself “what if I’m wrong.” Next time your friend or family member labels someone you haven’t met, make a decision to…
Supporting homophobia and/or racism, is not a “matter of opinion,” it is racism and homophobia. I believe in meeting people where they are to take them to another level and educate them in ways that are relevant to them. I’m always curious and learn when I hear different sides, opinions and perspectives on issues. However, being anti-LGBT under the guise…
Here is an action you can take to leverage diversity and prevent biased thinking. Inclusionist Leadership Action #1 Be conscious of your visceral reaction or any thoughts or judgements you have about the next 3 people you see. What story immediately comes to mind without a second thought? Notice their age, clothing, skin color, age and any other visible characteristics at…
I Was There – March on Washington 1963 My First Diversity Step This week is the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. I’m so glad that I was there and part of history. That’s where my diversity journey really began. I wish I could say that it was because I saw Martin Luther King, and…
The recent Supreme Court Decisions overturning DOMA and Prop 8 have far-reaching impact diversity and inclusion in the workplace beyond providing federal and state benefits for same-sex married couples. These decisions also affect single LGBT and heterosexual people in those workplaces, along with LGBT employees in states where same-sex marriage is not yet legal. In the past month, I’ve gotten…
Diversity and Inclusion Leaders Need to Know How to be Diversity and Inclusion Allies By Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist At some point in our lives, everyone needs an ally, a person who supports our ideas, encourages us to follow our dreams, or defends us against naysayers. At some point in our lives, we’ve probably all had opportunities to be an…
Earlier this week the Supreme Court struck down DOMA and said good by to Proposition 8. This was a plus for diversity and inclusion. For LGBT couples in states where same-sex marriage is legal it’s historic. They are now eligible for over 1,000 Federal benefits, including joint tax returns, and survivor spouse and child social security benefits. For lesbian and gay…
Inclusive Leadership; leveraging diversity and building community with employees and customers I hated my first job. It was selling aluminum siding over the telephone. I didn’t even know what it was, how much aluminum siding actually cost. I didn’t know who owned the company or what happened once a live person showed up at the house of the perspective buyer….
Employee Resource Groups or ERGs, are organized networks of employees in organizations who have similar demographics, interests, or life experiences, i.e,, veterans, women, Gen Y, people over 40, African-American, people with various religious affiliations, South Asian, etc. Early on, many ERGs began as a affinity groups formed to provide social and career support for their members. As diversity and inclusion…
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