A couple of months back I wrote about this subject and at the time was very concerned and overwhelmed with how to lead this type of initiative. Each person I talked to had an opinion but the more I explored and talked there was one common end result. To the man (oops and woman) not a single person had truly seen this effectively and fully implemented. Many had “checked the box” by saying they were diverse and inclusive by hiring women or employees of color but there was no effort to change the culture. Same as before only the roster changed.
I continued to talk with individuals on this subject and ran across a man that has been working on this effort for 25+ years. He also indicated he had yet to see a change of this type effectively implemented in an organization but did say “one on one” he had been able to work through the divisions that separate us. He referred to the separation as the tribes we grew up in, went to church in, or our ethnic heritage. His approach was truly simple, create a relationship “one on one”! Work on making the individual feel included, respected, and treat them dignity. When you treat others as you would want to be treated amazing things can and will happen. A relationship is created, and relationships can cross many bridges. I suppose when my mother taught me the Golden Rule in 1960 her insight was more to what Jesus would do. I believe this still applies today.
It appears that when we can make someone feel included, respected the differences become less impactful, gender and skin color differences become invisible. At that point I believe it is possible to witness true diversity by treating others like we would want to be treated.
Often, we stand back when we are presented with racial issues. Build a bridge, take the chance, make a difference.
