There’s been so much talk these past few years about diversity. Everyone wants to increase diversity and be inclusive, but how can you do that if you don’t know what it means? Being diverse and inclusive can look different in every situation, so it’s important to understand the best way to go about it. Ask yourself these questions to help you get started.
1. Why are you trying to increase diversity?
If it’s only to fill a quota or make it look as though you’re more diverse or accepting than you really are, you need to go back to the beginning and reevaluate. Diversity isn’t just a checklist you can cross off. It’s recognizing the value in all people and giving everyone equal opportunities. It should never be used to boost a reputation.
2. How are you trying to increase diversity?
Are you hiring more diverse people? Are you evaluating people based on their skills and experiences rather than preconceived stereotypes? Are you treating marginalized communities with the respect they deserve? You can’t just hire a Black person or a woman without doing anything to ensure they’re being respected and treated fairly and call that diversity.
3. Are you learning?
It’s impossible to work toward inclusivity without learning a thing or two about why it’s taking so long to get there. Learn from the people who haven’t been treated fairly just because of something they can’t control. Understand the injustices that have been done to them, and help correct them. Take action to abolish racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, and all the other harmful mindsets in our world.