Loud Thinking August 29, 2014 at 06:05PM

Think About Inclusion, Not Just Diversity

Creating diversity at work isn’t enough. You also need to foster inclusion, so all people feel valued. When employees feel welcome, they’re more likely to be engaged and participate in decision-making. To promote inclusiveness in your organization:
Don’t gravitate toward similarity. Curb this tendency by asking: Who is getting hired and promoted? Whose opinions have I left out? Am I building relationships with people who are different from me?
Reduce subtle biases. Minority groups can often be excluded from important conversations or judged more harshly. Make sure everyone has access to training, professional development, networks, and important committees.
Encourage difference. Out-group employees sometimes conform to fit in, negating the positive impact of diversity. Seek out different opinions and ask them, “How can we leverage your unique perspective more effectively?”
Bring everyone into the conversation. Don’t leave out employees in the majority group. Explain why change is necessary and make everyone accountable.

Adapted from “ Diversity Is Useless Without Inclusivity” by Christine M. Riordan.

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