What do you do if your professional network lacks diversity and inclusivity?

1 Assess your current network

The first step is to take a honest look at your existing network and evaluate how diverse and inclusive it is. You can use various criteria to measure diversity, such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, education, industry, function, location, and so on. You can also use tools such as network analysis or social network mapping to visualize and analyze your network structure, density, centrality, and diversity. The goal is to identify any gaps, biases, or blind spots in your network that might limit your exposure to different people and ideas.

3 Expand your network strategically

The third step is to actively seek out and engage with potential contacts who can help you achieve your network goals and diversify your network. You can use various strategies to expand your network, such as attending events, joining online communities, volunteering for projects, asking for referrals, or reaching out to influencers. However, you should be mindful of the quality and relevance of your connections, not just the quantity. You should also be respectful, authentic, and curious when interacting with new people, and avoid making assumptions or judgments based on stereotypes or prejudices.

5 Evaluate your network outcomes

The fifth step is to monitor and assess the outcomes of your network activities and relationships, and how they contribute to your network goals and diversity and inclusivity objectives. You can use various metrics to evaluate your network outcomes, such as the number, quality, and diversity of your contacts, the frequency, depth, and reciprocity of your interactions, the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of your collaborations, and the impact, value, and satisfaction of your network. You can also use tools such as surveys, interviews, or feedback forms to collect and analyze data from your network.

6 Improve your network practices

The final step is to use the insights and feedback from your network evaluation to improve your network practices and enhance your network performance. You can use various techniques to improve your network practices, such as setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals, creating action plans, tracking progress, reviewing results, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and implementing changes. You can also use your statistical skills to help you design, execute, and improve your network improvement process, such as data collection, analysis, visualization, interpretation, and communication.

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?