DEI: Its Not What You Think

While at the various jobs I have had over the last 10 years, I have been required to attend what is known as DEI training. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Hot button words for sure. Regardless of the news you watch or listen to, you are pushed or pulled into a direction or feeling on DEI. While underrepresented minority communities have largely pushed DEI initiatives, it is really an understanding of human nature that applies to every single one of us. As a small business owner any prejudice or bias you may, consciously or unconsciously, have towards any particular group of people only serves to hurt your business. With this in mind, I began to think through what I perceive DEI to really means in a small business context.

 DEI Overview

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in business goes beyond just symbols and slogans. It involves actively creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other personal characteristics, are valued, respected, and have equal opportunities for success. This may mean reevaluating your current policies, practices, and programs and implementing new ones that address barriers and promote diversity and inclusion. The concept of DEI is about creating a culture that supports and values differences. This can lead to increased creativity, innovation, and company success. It can also help to attract and retain diverse talent, create a more positive work environment, and can improve a company's reputation and brand.

 Diversity

Let’s face it. We’re all different. Diverse. Merriam Webster defines Diverse as, “differing from one another.” No kidding. None of us fit in anywhere. Being different is how we know who we are and how we are not like others. Even identical twins are not actually alike, because they are not exact duplicates in their minds. Or their behaviors. Or their beliefs.

 Each of us feels like there is something about us that is wrong. Or different. Or weird. It keeps us from being authentic with others and sometimes ourselves. We’re slow and can’t keep up. We have ADHD and can’t focus. We have anxiety or depression. We lack social skills. We are extroverts. We are introverts. We care too much or too little and get rejected at every turn at home, at work, and with our friends.

 But because we are all different, doesn’t that make us all the same?

 So, DEI is for all of us. FOR all of us. For ALL of us.

 Equity

Early in my career, I never noticed how differently I was treated as a woman. However, as I matured and grew as a professional, I began to see how men treat men versus how men treat women. More interestingly, I began to see how women treat other women versus how they treat men. Obviously, this is a sliding scale and not indicative of every person, but it is a systemic issue. I often wonder if this behavior is really gender-based/biased or it’s rooted in personality, ego, and pride.

 When a person thinks they are better in some way than another person, there will never be equity. Yes, we are all equal, but thinking there are classes of “better than you” causes people to think they are better and then their actions begin to reflect their beliefs.

 We may or may not agree with someone’s lifestyle or choices, but that doesn’t mean we are not equal. We could be comparing socioeconomic status and have the same result. Male vs. female. Tall vs. short. Old vs. young. Things may appear to be unequal, but that appearance will cause people to judge through the lens of “better than you” and suddenly - inequity. People start being treated as outsiders.

Deep down we all want to belong. Our actions of preferring to be a loner are only a defense against getting hurt. It’s easier to be alone because we think we need to be someone else when we are around others. Authenticity is risky and makes us feel vulnerable. However, when we feel part of a group, our confidence grows, we are more likely to share ideas, we offer help to others, and we tend to see how we fit into a larger picture.

 Wrap Up

Again, having a culture of DEI in your company isn’t about the symbols you display or the slogans you repeat. It’s a culture where you treat every individual with respect, with equality, offer them opportunity, include them at all possible and appropriate times, and put an end to the “better than you” attitude.

 Do yourself a favor today and start to look at your employees as actual people who may have had to struggle this morning getting out of bed. Some may be having marital trouble or wayward kids. They could be a caretaker for their elderly parents. You may never know their struggles. So, treat everyone with respect and care. DEI is an equalizing force that no longer allows us to decide who “fits in”. Kindness matters more so at work than anywhere else because it breaks down barriers and allows people to be authentic. Maybe for the first time in their lives.