Leadership Consulting with a J.E.D.I. Lens
Diversity versus Inclusion
Verna Myers said, “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.”
Diversity without inclusion is disruptive.
Having an inclusive culture that values input from every member is often written into an organization’s goals or strategic plan but is given low priority or lacks funding. When you evaluate your current climate is it apparent that excluded individuals or groups exist? Are these groups on the leadership’s radar? Or is exclusion quietly manifesting as whispers and body-language that shows displeasure during gatherings?
The typical steps of creating an inclusive organization are:
- Publish a policy that everyone is an important part of the team.
- Middle and/or senior managers publicly announce the importance of diversity and inclusion.
- A climate survey is conducted to identify areas that may be lacking.
- An individual or group is assigned to improve the climate.
If your organization has taken steps to implement inclusion, but there are still those who work without a sense of purpose, there is more that can be done. You have already begun the critical work of bringing everyone to the party. The Wade Alliance
can help you get them to dance.
