Inclusive

"Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance."

― Verna Myers

April 6, 2023

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Lisa Ulshafer

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Being inclusive means creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included, regardless of their differences. It's about fostering a sense of belonging and promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life, including work, school, communities, and relationships. Inclusive attitudes and behaviors recognize and embrace the unique qualities and perspectives of individuals, and actively seek to create a welcoming and accepting space for everyone. Embracing inclusivity can lead to positive social change, enhance relationships, promote diversity and innovation, and foster a more harmonious society.

Here are just some of the benefits you experience when you are inclusive:

• Enhanced relationships: Inclusive attitudes and behaviors promote positive relationships by creating an environment of mutual respect and acceptance. This can lead to stronger connections, improved communication, and deeper understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Diversity of perspectives: Inclusion fosters diversity of perspectives, ideas, and experiences, which can lead to innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. Embracing different viewpoints can result in more robust decision-making processes and better outcomes.

• Increased productivity and performance: When individuals feel included and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated, leading to increased productivity and higher performance levels. Inclusive organizations and teams are also better positioned to attract and retain top talent, leading to a more skilled and diverse workforce.

• Positive social impact: Embracing inclusivity can contribute to positive social change by challenging societal norms, breaking down barriers, and promoting equality and equity. It can create a more inclusive and just society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or identity.

• Personal growth and development: Being inclusive allows individuals to develop empathy, compassion, and open-mindedness. It promotes self-awareness, cultural competence, and social skills, which are valuable traits in today's interconnected and diverse world.

• Reduced bias and discrimination: Inclusive attitudes and behaviors challenge biases and discriminatory practices, leading to a more equal and fair environment where individuals are judged based on their abilities and contributions rather than their differences. This can contribute to a more harmonious and inclusive society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

• Positive organizational culture: Inclusive organizations tend to have a positive organizational culture where diversity is celebrated, and individuals feel included, valued, and supported. This can lead to higher employee morale, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.

• Improved decision-making: Inclusive environments promote diverse perspectives, which can lead to more well-rounded and informed decision-making. By considering multiple viewpoints, organizations and teams can make more strategic and effective decisions.

• Enhanced creativity and innovation: Inclusive environments encourage diverse thinking and collaboration, which can lead to enhanced creativity and innovation. Diverse perspectives and ideas can spur new solutions and approaches to problems, leading to better outcomes and results.

• Social responsibility: Embracing inclusivity is a social responsibility, as it promotes fairness and equality. By actively practicing inclusive attitudes and behaviors, individuals and organizations contribute to a more inclusive and just society, making a positive impact on the world around them.

Here are 9 strategies to become more inclusive:

1. Educate yourself: Take the initiative to learn about different cultures, identities, and experiences through books, articles, documentaries, workshops, and other educational resources. Expand your knowledge and understanding of diversity and inclusion to develop a more inclusive mindset.

2. Practice empathy and active listening: Develop empathy by putting yourself in others' shoes and actively listening to their perspectives without judgment. Show genuine interest and curiosity in others' experiences and actively seek to understand their viewpoints.

3. Challenge your biases: Recognize and challenge your own biases, stereotypes, and prejudices. Be aware of your unconscious biases and strive to overcome them by consciously questioning your assumptions and beliefs about others based on their identity or background.

4. Use inclusive language: Pay attention to the language you use and strive to be inclusive in your communication. Avoid derogatory language, offensive jokes, and exclusionary comments that can harm others and create barriers to inclusion.

5. Foster a welcoming environment: Create an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Be mindful of the physical space, policies, and practices that may unintentionally exclude or marginalize certain groups and take steps to address them.

6. Build diverse networks: Build relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and engage in meaningful interactions with people who are different from you. Seek out diverse perspectives and actively involve people from different backgrounds in decision-making processes.

7. Be inclusive in decision-making: Ensure that diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making processes, and actively seek out input from individuals with different backgrounds and identities. Create opportunities for diverse voices to be heard and valued in decision-making discussions.

8. Foster an inclusive leadership style: Lead by example and model inclusive behaviors in your leadership style. Foster an inclusive and supportive environment for your team or organization, and encourage diversity of thought, ideas, and perspectives.

9. Be open to feedback and learning: Be open to receiving feedback from others regarding your inclusivity efforts and be willing to learn and improve. Recognize that becoming more inclusive is an ongoing process, and be open to continuous self-reflection, growth, and learning.

Becoming more inclusive is a continuous journey that requires intentional effort, self-reflection, and a willingness to challenge your biases and learn from others. It involves creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included, and actively promoting diversity in all its forms. By embracing inclusivity, you can foster stronger relationships, create positive change, and contribute to a more harmonious society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.