Staying The Course On Your DEI Journey

This is Becoming Inclusive from The Kaleidoscope Group, where we’re thinking differently about diversity, equity, and inclusion. For more empowered people at work. We’re committed to real change and that begins with real conversations. Welcome in. 

*to request the transcription, please email jodi.matas@kgdiversity.com*

When it comes to an organization’s DEI journey sustaining efforts is critical. It’s easy to hit a benchmark, check a box, and pat ourselves on the back. But rarely can we confidently declare “Mission Accomplished.” After hitting a milestone some will lose interest fallaciously believing that initial efforts will be sustained not through rigor and consistency, but through a sense of hope that foundational DEI strategies will simply pay off without additional action. And of course, that wouldn’t be realistic since we know that diversity, equity, and inclusion have to be considered holistically and embedded in a long-term strategy. 

Hope Isn’t Enough

As someone once said, “Hope is not a strategy.” That’s the point made by co-hosts Reggie Ponder and Kat Potts in the final episode of the Becoming Inclusive Podcast for 2022 with featured guest Mitch Brown, a senior consultant and master facilitator for the Kaleidoscope Group. During the podcast, Brown stressed the importance of staying the course and keeping our eyes on the prize—the prize being a definitively diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and society. 

Let’s face it, businesses and organizations face myriad challenges in a constantly evolving and dynamic global environment. There are so many factors to consider it can be—and often is—overwhelming, especially for leaders but also for employees at every level. It’s frustrating to everyone when progress is made, only to be rolled back due to forces beyond our control. That’s why it’s so important to maintain constant movement forward, perhaps not pumping the accelerator but certainly not shifting into reverse. 

While it’s certainly wise to celebrate and socialize our wins on the DEI front, it’s equally important to emphasize that it is a very long journey and the terminal point is still a long way off. Acknowledge wins while using those wins to reinforce purpose, values, and goals. 

Does Too Much Inclusion lead to Confusion?

In a previous episode of Becoming Inclusive, Brown provoked the hosts by asking “Does too much inclusion lead to confusion?” To be clear, his point wasn’t to downplay the importance of inclusion but rather to stress the need for purposeful approaches to inclusion, in addition to equity and diversity. Asking everyone into the room for broad perspectives and opinions is great, but not just for the sake of including people whose opinions won’t matter in the end. It’s all optics at that point and ineffective in truly delivering on any DEI plan or strategy. Purpose matters as so do intent and commitment. 

Does your organization truly commit to the long-term vision and journey required to achieve success in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion? If so, let us know how by leaving a comment below, and adding your voice and opinions to the conversation. And be sure to like us, share our content and subscribe for future episodes of Becoming Inclusive with Kat Potts and Reggie Ponder. 

Thanks for joining us, and a special thanks to our subscribers. Consider becoming one today. Becoming Inclusive is presented by The Kaleidoscope Group, your full-service Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion partner serving clients worldwide. Learn more and continue the conversation and kgdiversity.com