Things I’ve Heard From Leaders - 1

“Can equity and inclusion work really make a difference? It seems hard to know if anything is actually changing for the better.”

👂Things I’ve Heard From Leaders - Part 1

This concern is something I’ve heard from multiple leaders. And it’s valid because this work can be tough and it can be hard to know if progress is being made. The short answer is yes, it can make a difference. And the truth is that it might be a subtle difference and not easily noticed by many people. But for the people who do notice, it usually means a great deal to them.

That can look like:

• Speaking up for another teammate so as to help carry their burden of always having to speak up for themself and potentially their race/ ethnicity/ religion

• Taking turns with note-taking during meetings

• Helping a leader or team member see another perspective

When even a few members on a team understand and utilize equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-oppression practices, it can result in:

• Changes (for the better) to how decision-making occurs

• Honest (sometimes difficult) and fruitful conversations within the team

• Improved trust and transparency at all levels

• Increased openness to new ideas 

To name a few. And these have a chain reaction, leading to improvements across an organization or company.