Building a Diversity Program That’s Right for Your Practice

Building a Diversity Program That’s Right for Your Practice 

Created with help from ChatGPT from the AAOE 2023 Annual Conference education session of the same name with final review and approval from the speaker.

 In today’s ever-evolving professional landscape, the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace cannot be overstated. As a transformational coach and DEI leader, Trish Ahjel Roberts brings a unique perspective on the intersection of diversity and compassion, emphasizing the need for an inclusive environment that fosters growth and innovation. Drawing from her experience on the DEI Committee of the Junior League of Atlanta, her work as Consulting Editor of African American Issues for Natural Awakenings Atlanta, and her personal experience in three class action lawsuits based on gender and race during twelve years as a financial advisor, she developed a framework for creating a DEI program that any practice can implement effectively.

The First Step: Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Diversity is about embracing variety, while equity is about justice and providing what is necessary for individuals to thrive. Inclusion ensures that everyone feels valued and part of the team. It's vital to consider all aspects of diversity, including gender, ethnicity, ability, age, and more, to create a truly inclusive environment.

Next: Prepare Yourself

To build an effective DEI program, you must tap into your imagination and compassion. Ask yourself: What would a more diverse team look and feel like? How might it feel to be someone other than yourself? Consider reading books, watching films, or consuming media from creators who don’t look like you. Expand your horizons.

Pro Tip: Embrace Discomfort for Growth

It's natural to feel uncomfortable when embarking on new initiatives, especially those that challenge existing norms and practices. However, leaning into this discomfort is the key to growth and development, both personally and organizationally.

Go for It! Implementing the Program

1. Identify Key Players: Determine who in your organization will be crucial in driving the DEI initiative forward. This might include internal staff or external consultants.
2. Communicate Progress: It's essential to keep everyone in the loop about the DEI efforts. This includes not just the successes but also the challenges and learnings along the way.
3. Set SMART Goals: Use the data gathered to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. This could involve increasing diversity in certain areas or improving perceptions of fairness within the organization.
4. Develop and Implement Strategies: Once you have your goals, develop strategies to achieve them. This could involve recruiting efforts, partnerships, or internal training programs.
5. Monitor and Assess: Regularly check the progress of your initiatives and make adjustments as needed. This could involve surveys, feedback sessions, or data analysis.
6. Celebrate Successes: Regardless of the outcome, it’s crucial to celebrate the effort and progress made. This positive reinforcement encourages continued effort and growth.

The Power of Celebration and Positivity

Celebration is more than just having fun; it’s about creating a culture of positive feedback that encourages continued growth and innovation. Recognizing and celebrating achievements, no matter how small, is integral to maintaining morale and motivation within your team.

Incorporating Mindfulness and Self-awareness

Mindfulness and self-awareness play a crucial role in DEI initiatives. Encouraging practices like visualization can help team members become more aware of the unconscious biases that we all have, so that they are more open to different perspectives.

Final Thoughts

Implementing a DEI program is not just about checking boxes; it's about creating a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered. As organizations, we must be proactive in understanding and addressing the unique needs of our diverse workforce. By following these steps and continually striving for improvement, we can create a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all.

Thank you to our speaker, Trish Ahjel Roberts, MBA, CLC, RYT-200, Mind Blowing Happiness LLC

Want to listen to the whole session and grab the slides (or see what else we have available)? Visit our Learning Center and Library, or Register for the AAOE 2024 Annual Conference.