Last updated on Jul 28, 2024

Your team is divided on diversity and inclusion priorities. How can you bridge the gap?

Navigating a team's differing opinions on diversity and inclusion can be as challenging as it is crucial. Diversity encompasses the spectrum of human differences, including but not limited to race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and age, while inclusion refers to the practice of ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging in the workplace. When your team is divided on these priorities, it's vital to find common ground and align your efforts with the broader goals of corporate social responsibility (CSR), which is the idea that businesses should balance profit-making activities with activities that benefit society.

1 Listen First

Begin by actively listening to each team member's views on diversity and inclusion. This doesn't just mean hearing them out; it involves understanding their perspectives and the experiences that shape their opinions. By acknowledging the validity of their concerns and aspirations, you can foster an environment of trust. This step is fundamental in creating a dialogue where all voices are heard, and where the diversity of thought is as valued as demographic diversity.

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Abhishek Kushwaha

Social Business Consultant I Lawyer I Sustainability I CSR Strategy & Compliance
Imagine a team meeting where everyone shares their personal experiences and ideas about inclusion. You might discover that some team members feel overlooked due to cultural differences, while others highlight the need for more diverse recruitment practices. Listening helps you identify common ground and areas for improvement. Encourage open forums or anonymous surveys to gather honest feedback. This allows team members to express themselves freely, ensuring that all viewpoints are considered in shaping the diversity and inclusion strategy.
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Ayush bajpai

Senior Consultant ESG/Sustainability/Content Writer Master of Business Administration - MBA Energy Management from School of Energy and Environmental studies DAVV, Indore
To bridge the gap on diversity and inclusion priorities, facilitate open discussions to understand different perspectives and concerns. Implement structured workshops and training sessions to raise awareness and build common ground. Establish a diversity and inclusion committee representing diverse team members to guide and align efforts. Set clear, measurable goals and ensure regular progress reviews. Encourage active listening and empathy to foster a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
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2 Educate and Inform

Once everyone has had the chance to voice their opinions, it's time to educate and inform. Share the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace, such as increased innovation, better decision-making, and a wider talent pool. It's also important to clarify any misunderstandings about what diversity and inclusion mean and how they can be effectively implemented within your organization without compromising merit or performance.

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3 Set Common Goals

With a better understanding of diversity and inclusion's benefits, work together to set common goals that align with your company's CSR objectives. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). They should also be flexible enough to accommodate the diverse needs and perspectives within your team while pushing towards a more inclusive workplace.

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4 Develop a Plan

After setting your goals, develop a plan to achieve them. This plan should outline the steps necessary to promote diversity and inclusion in your workplace. It could include initiatives like bias training, mentorship programs, or diverse hiring practices. Ensure that the plan is actionable and that each team member understands their role in its execution.

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5 Measure Progress

To ensure that your diversity and inclusion efforts are making an impact, it's essential to measure progress. Establish metrics that will help you track the effectiveness of your initiatives. These could include employee satisfaction surveys, demographic data analysis, or reviews of hiring and promotion rates. Regularly reviewing these metrics will help keep your team accountable and allow you to adjust your strategy as needed.

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6 Foster Inclusion Daily

Finally, remember that fostering an inclusive environment is a daily commitment. Encourage your team to practice inclusive behaviors in every interaction. This could involve simple acts like using inclusive language, actively seeking diverse perspectives in meetings, or checking unconscious biases. By integrating these practices into daily work life, you'll help bridge the gap and build a genuinely inclusive culture.

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Asit Srivastava

Founder & Editor - The Good Sight Webzine & Podcast I Communication Adviser, International Non-Profits/Foundations | Social Entrepreneur | Amplifying Responsible Voices I Ex-Indian Express I Ex-IANS I Ex-Tata Steel CSR
In my opinion, you should start by facilitating open dialogues to understand different perspectives. You can conduct workshops and training to raise awareness about the benefits of diversity and inclusion. Try to create a shared vision and goals, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. Focus on implementing actionable strategies, like diverse hiring practices and inclusive policies. Lastly, don't forget to review the progress regularly and look out for ways to celebrate successes together.
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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Corporate Social Responsibility

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Your team is divided on diversity and inclusion priorities. How can you bridge the gap?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Listen First

2 Educate and Inform

3 Set Common Goals

4 Develop a Plan

5 Measure Progress

6 Foster Inclusion Daily

7 Here’s what else to consider

Corporate Social Responsibility

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Thanks for your feedback

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Your team is divided on diversity and inclusion priorities. How can you bridge the gap?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Listen First

2 Educate and Inform

3 Set Common Goals

4 Develop a Plan

5 Measure Progress

6 Foster Inclusion Daily

7 Here’s what else to consider

Corporate Social Responsibility

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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