We all want to belong and feel included within various facets of our lives. That sense of inclusion may come easily in your family or place of worship because you are surrounded by people with like minds; others who have similar thoughts, values, and perspectives.
But what happens when you are with others
who don’t share your views?
People have different values and ways of looking at the world. Our challenge, as humans, is to figure out how to achieve that same safe feeling of inclusion and belonging at work – while also working with people who may live and work differently than ourselves.
Inclusion Impacts Business Results
While research supports, and we logically realize, that diverse perspectives are beneficial to groups and organizations, it’s still hard to get right.
In Inclusion on Purpose, the DEI consultant Ruchika Tulshyan indicates that real progress requires not just empathy but proactive, ongoing effort. Starting with being open to going outside your comfort zone, Tulshyan offers six strategies for turning empathy into action.
6 Strategies to Turn Empathy into Inclusive Action
- Be uncomfortable
- Reflect on what you don’t know
- Invite feedback
- Limit defensiveness
- Grow from your mistakes
- Expect change to take time
We’ve All Been Excluded
At some point in your life, you were on the outside looking in – not fitting into the group for whatever reason. I bet you remember how it feels. I know I do. It was a customer meeting and I walked in with my male co-worker (a peer). He was invited to sit at the table (literally), and I was asked to sit to the side. Not wanting to ruffle feathers, I sat where I was told. As the meeting progressed, I was often overlooked and rarely contributed. Out of sight, out of mind.
Thankfully, times have changed. People today think more broadly and welcome opportunities to grow and challenge what they’ve always known. I’ve also grown – in that scenario today, I would slide my chair up to the table and join the conversation!
Being included and valued for who you are and what you bring are essential to high levels of performance and engagement. Being open to others allows them to share in that feeling of belonging and inclusion.
So…what have you done today to help others feel be included?
