Brené with Aiko Bethea on Inclusivity at Work: The Heart of Hard Conversations
Nov 9, 2020
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Dive into a conversation with Aiko Bethea, a diversity, equity, and inclusion expert, as she discusses empathy, accountability, and the power of listening in creating inclusive workplaces. Explore the differences between transactional and transformational leadership, highlighting the importance of courage for meaningful change.
Inclusivity at work requires empathy, listening, and courageous conversations for meaningful change.
Transformational leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion involves challenging biases and dismantling harmful systems.
Deep dives
Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are crucial elements in creating a thriving and inclusive workplace. It is not just about having a diverse workforce, but creating an environment where everyone feels included, valued, and heard. Inclusion goes beyond representation and aims to create a space where different perspectives are welcomed and valued, fostering innovation and psychological safety. Equity is also vital, as it recognizes and addresses the historical marginalization and exclusion of certain groups. These concepts are interconnected and require intentional efforts and introspection to create genuine transformative change.
Challenging Action Bias and Slowing Down
In the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is crucial to challenge the tendency towards action bias and rushing to solve problems without fully understanding them. Slowing down and listening to the experiences and perspectives of others is essential. Taking the time to believe, understand, and support individuals instead of immediately trying to fix things creates a space for empathy, introspection, and transformative change. This approach recognizes that addressing systemic inequalities requires relationship-building, storytelling, and a commitment to dismantling harmful systems.
Recognizing Privilege and Centering Lived Experiences
In the pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is essential to recognize privilege and center the experiences of marginalized communities. Those in positions of privilege, such as white individuals or those in leadership roles, must actively listen, learn, and amplify the voices of those who have experienced systemic discrimination. This requires introspection, humility, and a willingness to be led by those with lived experiences. It also involves creating systems and cultures that go beyond compliance and create genuine relationships, trust, and human connection.
Embracing Transformative Change
Transformational change in diversity, equity, and inclusion requires embracing discomfort, vulnerability, and introspection. It involves challenging our own biases, reexamining systems and structures, and actively dismantling white supremacy and other forms of oppression. This work goes beyond compliance-driven actions and aims to create a culture of belonging, where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. It involves making peace with not understanding everything, embracing difference, and actively supporting the lived experiences of marginalized communities. Transformative change requires time, patience, and a deep commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable world.
Aiko Bethea is a friend, colleague, and diversity, equity, and inclusion expert. We discuss empathy, accountability, and the power of listening and believing (including a very real role play). We also dissect the differences between transactional leadership and transformational leadership and why courage is a prerequisite to lasting, meaningful change.