You're facing resistance from team members in conference planning. How can you ensure inclusivity prevails?

1 Acknowledge Concerns

When you encounter resistance, it's crucial to listen actively and acknowledge the concerns of your team members. Resistance often arises from fear or misunderstanding. By creating a safe space for dialogue, you can understand the root of their hesitations. Address these concerns transparently and provide clear explanations as to why inclusivity is beneficial for the conference. This approach can help alleviate fears and encourage team members to embrace a more inclusive mindset.

2 Foster Collaboration

To overcome resistance, fostering collaboration among your team is essential. Encourage each member to contribute ideas and share their perspectives on how to make the conference inclusive. This collective brainstorming can lead to innovative solutions that might not have been considered otherwise. By involving everyone in the decision-making process, you create a sense of ownership and commitment to inclusivity among the team.

3 Educate and Train

Resistance can also be due to a lack of awareness about the importance of inclusivity. Consider organizing educational sessions or workshops for your team to highlight the benefits of a diverse and inclusive conference. Training can equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to understand different perspectives and cultural sensitivities, which is crucial in planning an inclusive event.

4 Set Clear Goals

Setting clear inclusivity goals for your conference can help align your team's efforts. Define what inclusivity means for your event, whether it's related to diversity in speakers, accessibility for attendees, or the range of topics covered. Having specific objectives makes it easier to measure progress and keeps the team focused on achieving these goals, reducing resistance along the way.

5 Lead by Example

As the organizer, your attitude towards inclusivity sets the tone for the entire planning process. Demonstrate your commitment through your actions and decisions. Show empathy, practice active listening, and be willing to adapt your plans to accommodate diverse needs. Leading by example can inspire your team members to follow suit and prioritize inclusivity in their roles.

6 Celebrate Progress

Finally, recognize and celebrate the milestones your team achieves in creating a more inclusive conference. Acknowledging the hard work and progress reinforces the value of inclusivity and motivates the team to continue their efforts. Celebrating small wins builds momentum and helps to sustain enthusiasm for inclusive practices throughout the planning stages and beyond.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?