Demi E.’s Post

How to host inclusive meetings

Let’s do the math. In a 2016 study by Harvard Business Review, only 35% of employees surveyed felt consistently comfortable contributing in meetings. In a room of 10 people, that’s only 3 who feel empowered to speak up. This is where the distinction between diversity and inclusion lies. Hosting inclusive meetings is not just about welcoming everyone to the table. It’s: • Respecting different ways of contributing. • Creating a safe space where everyone can speak up. • Accommodating those differences so everyone can participate meaningfully. It can be overwhelming to decide where to start, and we acknowledge that these steps alone won't fix systemic problems. The good news is that making meetings more inclusive is something you can do now. These small but impactful actions bring you closer to psychological safety and open the door to feedback. After all, meetings are micro-representation of the company. So let’s start making and inclusive culture happen—one meeting at a time. What are your ground rules for inclusive meetings? Share them in the comments 👇 #inclusion #psychologicalsafety

Great tips for hosting inclusive meetings

Creating an inclusive environment in meetings is essential for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Here are some strategies to help: 1️⃣ Preparation: ➡️ Set Clear Objectives: Communicate the agenda and objectives to all participants beforehand ➡️ Invite Diverse Voices: Ensure a diverse group of participants from different backgrounds and levels of seniority 2️⃣ During the Meeting: ➡️ Establish Ground Rules: Encourage respectful listening and valuing all contributions ➡️ Facilitate Equitably: Actively manage the discussion to ensure everyone has a chance to speak ➡️ Use Inclusive Language: Avoid jargon and be mindful of culturally sensitive language ➡️ Encourage Different Perspectives: Welcome differing viewpoints by asking for alternative opinions ➡️ Utilize Technology: Use tools like polling and anonymous Q&A to allow everyone to contribute ➡️ Be Mindful of Time Zones and Accessibility: Schedule meetings at convenient times for all and provide necessary accommodations 3️⃣ Follow-Up: ➡️ Summarize and Share Notes: Send out a summary of the discussion and action items ➡️ Solicit Feedback: Ask for feedback to continually improve inclusivity ➡️ Implement Ideas: Show that contributions are valued by implementing suggestions and giving credit 4️⃣ Promoting Equal Participation: ➡️ Rotate Roles: Share responsibilities like note-taker and facilitator among team members ➡️ Training and Development: Provide training on DEI and effective meeting facilitation ➡️ Create a Safe Space: Foster a culture where employees feel safe to express their opinions without fear of judgment By implementing these strategies, we can create a more inclusive meeting environment that promotes equal participation, leading to better decision-making and a more engaged and diverse workforce. #DEI #InclusiveMeetings #EqualParticipation #CT3Training #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership

Listening to Everyone 👂💬 It’s frustrating when you share an idea in a meeting, and it goes unheard, only for someone else to echo your thoughts and suddenly it gets all the applause. 👏 It highlights a reality many of us face, where our voices aren’t always valued equally. ⚖️ Unfortunately, this often comes with an extra burden: the need to work harder just to be recognized. 🏃♀️💪 But here's the thing—if we want to change the narrative, we have to put in that effort. 🔄 That’s why my work with companies focuses on a two-fold approach. 🔑 First, I empower diverse employees by sharing best practices and navigating challenges they might face in the workplace. 👩💻🤝 At the same time, I engage with non-diverse leaders to help them understand how to support and collaborate with their diverse team members effectively. 👨💼🌍 Change doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s about building bridges 🌉 and fostering understanding on both sides. We can’t expect one group to do all the heavy lifting; it requires commitment and effort from everyone involved. 🏋️♂️💪 When both employees and managers meet in the middle, we create a success model that benefits not only individuals but the entire organization. 🏢💡 Let’s keep striving for that balance and creating spaces where every voice is heard and valued. 🔊💖  #InclusiveLeadership #DiversityMatters #EmpoweringVoices #TeamworkForChange #DiversityInclusion

🎥 Respect: The Foundation of Strong Relationships In today’s fast-paced world, respect remains one of the most vital qualities we can uphold in our personal and professional lives. This video highlights the power of mutual respect, showcasing how small gestures, thoughtful communication, and active listening can create lasting impacts. Respect isn’t just about acknowledging others; it’s about embracing diversity, fostering collaboration, and building environments where everyone feels valued and heard. 💡 Why It Matters: Promotes healthier workplace culture. Strengthens trust and teamwork. Encourages open communication and inclusivity. 📌 Takeaway: Let’s make respect more than just a word. Let’s make it a practice, a mindset, and a legacy we leave behind. 🌟 Join the conversation: How do you demonstrate respect in your daily interactions? Share your thoughts in the comments! #RespectMatters #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #Collaboration #EmotionalIntelligence #Inclusion #Teamwork #LinkedInCommunity #ProfessionalGrowth

In today's diverse workplace, Emotional Intelligence (EI) and inclusivity are the cornerstones of successful teamwork. At TSW Wordsmith, LLC, we believe that fostering a culture where every team member feels valued and heard starts with effective communication. 🔹 Emotional Intelligence enhances our ability to understand and manage our emotions and those of others. It promotes: Self-awareness to recognize our biases and improve our interactions. Empathy to connect with our colleagues on a deeper level. Self-regulation to handle conflicts constructively. Social skills to build strong, collaborative relationships. Motivation to inspire and engage our teams. 🔹 Inclusivity ensures that all voices are heard and respected, creating a rich tapestry of ideas and perspectives. It involves: Representation of diverse groups. Access to information and opportunities for all. Equity in treatment and advancement. Respect and dignity in every interaction. Engagement and participation in decision-making processes. When EI and inclusivity come together, they create an environment where trust, innovation, and high performance thrive. 💪🌍 #EmotionalIntelligence #Inclusivity #EffectiveCommunication #Teamwork #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture

🌟 Let’s Talk Perspective! 🌟 Ever find yourself at odds with a colleague or teammate? 🤔 We all have our opinions, and sometimes we want others to see things our way. But here’s the truth: while we can’t always control our situations, we do have control over our perspective. Imagine a workplace where we all respect and value each other’s viewpoints. Sounds great, right? The key is realizing that we don’t always have to be “right.” The biggest mistake? Believing that our perspective is the only one that matters. 😲 Here’s how we can embrace and value each other's perspectives: 🔹 Listen Actively: Put down the phone and give your full attention. 🚀 🔹 Ask Questions: Dive deeper and understand their viewpoint. 💡 🔹 Acknowledge Contributions: Give a shout-out for great ideas. 🎉 🔹 Be Empathetic: Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. 👟 🔹 Give Constructive Feedback: Focus on the idea, not the person. 🛠️ 🔹 Stay Open-Minded: Embrace new and challenging ideas. 🌍 🔹 Promote Inclusivity: Make everyone feel heard and valued. 🤝 Why? Because respecting and valuing perspectives: ✨ Fosters Collaboration: Leads to better teamwork and innovation. 🧩 Enhances Problem-Solving: Brings diverse ideas to the table. 🤝 Builds Trust: Strengthens relationships and trust. 🌟 Promotes Inclusivity: Creates a supportive work environment. 🚀 Increases Engagement: Motivates and values employees. 💬 Improves Communication: Encourages open dialogue. ⚖️ Reduces Conflict: Helps in resolving differences constructively. Let’s make our workplaces a hub of understanding and respect! What’s your approach to valuing others’ perspectives? Share your tips below! 👇 #WorkplaceCulture #Collaboration #Leadership #Teamwork #Respect #Inclusion #PerspectiveMatters

In the dynamic realm of professional and personal communication, celebrating diversity lays the foundation for thriving connections. 💼 Embracing Collaboration: Let's shift our perspective from viewing colleagues as mere competitors to fostering a culture of collaboration. By doing so, we unlock the potential for collective success. 🤝 Navigating Differences: While some may approach interactions with their own agendas, we have the power to steer conversations towards positive outcomes by clarifying our intentions. 🔍 Reflecting on Intentions: Take a moment to pause and reflect on your intentions—are they aligned with fostering growth and collaboration? 🌐 United Vision: As a cohesive team with a shared vision, our focus should be on listening to understand, not just to respond. 🚀 Embracing Diversity: Let's harness the power of diversity as our superpower, propelling us towards unparalleled success! #CommunicationSkills #DiversityAndInclusion #CollaborationCulture #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork #SuccessMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #WorkplaceCulture #EmbraceDiversity #LinkedInNetworking

Came across this article, and felt like sharing with you all: Let me know your opinion! Have you faced such situation? Have you ever felt overlooked or undervalued at work, despite your efforts? Subtle biases—such as favoring certain perspectives or dismissing contributions—can create an environment where individuals feel demotivated and excluded. Often, these behaviors are not intentional but stem from ingrained habits or blind spots in communication. The key to addressing this lies in fostering awareness and accountability. Simple actions like actively seeking diverse input, recognizing achievements fairly, and encouraging open conversations can make a significant difference. By cultivating a culture of respect and inclusion, we not only uplift individuals but also strengthen teams. How can we ensure everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best?