Walking the Inclusion Talk is Not as Easy as it Seems

I think it's safe to say that we've all learned that walking the talk when it comes to diversity and inclusion is not as easy as it seems. For we can all get tripped up on the quest for diversity, inclusion, and equity. Today, we're seeing extra layers of scrutinization of everyone. So much so, that there's hesitancy to make a mistake for fear of repercussions. Here are 4 steps to take to be authentic when it comes to inclusive leadership.

1. Listen and say You're Sorry

I'd like to think I'm exempt from stumbling when it comes to inclusive leadership but that's not the case. I too stumble. Today, my better half brought to my attention that my reaction to a "Karen" scenario last year was disappointing. Yes, Amy Cooper you have stirred lots of triggers for Karen's who should be long forgotten. At any rate, he was dissapointed in how I reacted and supported him. As I listened to him share his memory, I recalled what I tell my students.

We will all fail when it comes to inclusion. Yet, we must forgive ourselves and continue to try again.

So, I listened and I apologized instead of justifying. When the time was right, I offered up some additional thoughts that I thought he might be receptive to hearing. My takeaway was that's probably not going to be the last time that I mess up but I will certainly strive to do better. When you are confronted with stories that showcase the fact that you play a role in making someone feel less than included, listen and say you're sorry as a start.

2. Benchmark Inclusion done well

There are examples of others doing inclusive leadership correctly. Find those examples and cling to them as a roadmap for change. Diversity Best Practices offers up the Inclusion Index as one opportunity that features companies that have scored well with regards to best practices, inclusive culture transparency and demographic data provided. While this is a starting point, you should do your due diligence to find more companies to benchmark. This is not an exhaustive list and we have seen that companies make lists but still have challenges with staying the inclusive course. Kudos to companies like Ben & Jerry's and Netflix for walking the talk with their inclusive leadership. Find some additional information on companies walking the talk in my recent post.

3. Accept that you can't know everything

There is so much to know about being inclusive. As you begin to unpack concepts that provide deeper understanding for diversity, equity, and inclusion, know that you're going to have to invest time to learn. Time like school time. For those of us that went the college route, remember how green you were freshman year and how green you were when you graduated. This is good perspective for the inclusion journey. There are so many books, webinars, courses, and resources available. Accept that you are not going to know everything day one. Especially if you've had one diversity and inclusion course at work. Be willing to learn more and treat inclusion as a priority. Failure to do so will impact you in the short and long term. This is simply not an area that is going to go away. It's going to rear it's head wherever you turn so my advice is to invest in learning more. Here are 24 ideas that can be leveraged to help in the fight against racism.

I'd love to hear your truth about your inclusion journey. How're you doing and how easy has the journey to be all inclusive been for you? Comment below.

Simone E. Morris is an Inclusion Strategist. Simone shares her message across various platforms, for example, Forbes, Medium, Thrive Global, Glassdoor, Leadercast, SmartRecruiters, Social Hire, Diversity Best Practices, Profiles in Diversity Journal, and BambooHR. She is also co-host of the Inclusion School Podcast.