The Hidden Gems of Inclusivity

Making big strides in your inclusion journey is essential to creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion, feels safe and accepted. Altering company policies, establishing diversity and inclusion councils, or offering training sessions are all important steps in achieving this goal. In the process of enacting these changes, however, it can be easy to forget the most basic ways you can instill inclusion in your community. Here are some everyday inclusion opportunities that you may have overlooked.

1. Listen and Learn

Trying to be proactive by leading conversation is important to fostering an inclusive environment. Listening can be even more impactful. Facilitate discussions where you are willing to step out of the driver’s seat and embrace the role of a passenger. Demonstrating a desire to learn will allow those around you to share their stories and feel comfortable doing so. While having these discussions, make sure your opinions do not undermine the experiences of others. You will never see the world through another pair of eyes, so even if your journey has been different from another’s. Welcome that disparity, prioritizing empathy and perspective to ensure your peer feels heard.

2. Avoids Assumptions