Written by: Abigail Stason, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
With media and technology providing access to information, we see how divided we are as human beings. There’s no global conversation that’s more timely, relevant, and important than that of bias, stereotyping, and prejudice.
Yes, Diversity and Inclusion are hot topics. Surprisingly, it’s all quite simple. The social implications are what make discussions about inclusion radioactive. Knowing what to do to be more inclusive can be overwhelming. That old phrase “think globally, act locally” is the perfect setting for this topic. Like everything I teach about human behavior – being a more inclusive human being and leader takes skill and practice.
How can you move into action?
Let’s get right to it. If you feel uncomfortable about this topic, that’s OK! It’s normal and expected to feel intimidated. There are simple action steps you can take to be more inclusive. Here is your list (this is a start):
1. It all starts with a conscious commitment
Regarding bias and stereotyping, there is more to unlearn than to learn; it is a life-long process. Begin by committing to learning about your bias, stereotyping, and all the ways you exclude others.
2. Be emotionally intelligent and feel your feelings about bias
We must be present with our emotions and experiences as we learn how we discriminate. When we tell the truth about our discrimination, and without emotional fluency, fear will take hold of our brains, keeping us from intelligent discussions.
3. Make a conscious effort to get to know people who are different from you
Join a new group and meet new people, especially people of different races or backgrounds. This doesn’t mean you need to drop your current friends. Instead, expand your horizons.
4. Take the implicit association test by project implicit
With all of the science and research available today, there is a massive opportunity for us to evolve. Once you know how your brain functions, through effort and practice, you can consciously make new implicit associations. The Anti-Defamation League also has worksheets you can use to examine your prejudices.
5. Catch yourself using labels
Try to avoid using labels with people. By avoiding labels, we are invited to get to know someone at a deeper level.
6. Don’t sweep anything under the carpet – Respond!
Complicities are the enemy of natural growth and development. It’s crucial to meet bigoted and exclusive comments head-on. When someone uses biased language or racial jokes, don’t attack. Do speak up! By standing for inclusion and we hold ourselves and others accountable.
7. Change your environment
It may not be practical to move away from some area which is not diverse. You can change what you see and are exposed to. With any media, change it up. Ensure you witness diverse perspectives, different people, and new situations.
8. Question companies about diversity and be an inclusive leader
You can immediately add value by voting with your dollars and time toward inclusion. Buy products from companies committed to diversity. If using a service, ask how the company supports underrepresented groups. Demand diversity and inclusion to be at the top of business development and overall goals. This activity can get overwhelming – chip away at it with small steps.
In your leadership – don’t wait for your company’s DEI programs. Start being more inclusive yourself and lead by example. Using this list is the easiest first step.
9. Learn about how your brain and biology function
We are not born to hate – we are born to survive. What do I mean by that? Since the day we are born, our nervous system’s number-one desire is to survive, and it constantly scans our environment for danger. You have probably heard of the nervous system watching out for “friend or foe” – this is a survival mechanism. This is where biology and neuroscience are our BFFs. It’s not hate speech, but action born from fear. To hate something is to try it out and then consciously determine we don’t like it/them. That’s not happening in society. How can you hate someone you know nothing about? Download a copy of my white paper to learn how fear impacts our behavior.
10. Don’t blame and shame yourself or others – Ever!
We ALL stereotype and categorize people into “Us vs. Them.” As I just mentioned, we know scientifically that this is how human brains function. Blaming and shaming keep us from progressing toward treating each other as equals. Stop the blame and start investigating your own experience.
Are you feeling inspired to move the needle and be more inclusive? What can you add to this list? Visit my website for more information. Please pick up a copy of my book, Evolution Revolution, and refer to chapters 23-26A. My online course lets you become conscious by diving into your learning and development.
Abigail Stason, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
More Master Teacher than coach, Abigail “Abby” Stason is a social activist and skill builder with 20+ years of professional experience as a leader, organizational consultant, and group facilitator. As a disrupter, Abby is committed to a new social awareness in favor of exposing outdated structures that are no longer of service, giving way to the experience of peace, freedom, and truth in the world. She is a catalyst for societal evolution. In short, she helps human beings, leaders, teams, and organizations wake up by equipping them with behavioral skills for a modern world. Abby created a conscious leadership curriculum, a series of practices that are easily accessible to everyone.
