Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Building An Appreciation For Diversity

2 October 2023

Breath Beings

, 3 mins read

Diversity is difference
Diversity is a fact
It is a given. It is natural
It Is what we have, around us, amidst us, within us

Let’s look at INDIA
28 states, 8 Union territories, 700 + languages, 22 official languages, religious groups, and ethnic groups..Are we not diverse?

Let’s look at people
Gender and ability, Social class and mobility
Body types and vanity, Neurodivergent or typicality
We are indeed different
Ideology, biology, mythology, psychology
Marital status, parental status, Legal status, Societal status
Everyone is unique

Let’s look at Communication styles
Aggressive, assertive, passive, direct, subtle, humorous, extrovert, introvert
Let’s look at Leadership styles
Autocratic, bureaucratic, democratic, transactional, situational, transformational
Let’s look at Dressing styles
Formal, semi-formal, casual, semi-casual, modern, traditional
Let’s look at Lifestyles
Save money, blow money, earn money, invest money, donate money & no money

There are all kinds of beings. And diverse beings. Every being is unique in their own beautiful way.
And when unique beings come together and don’t appreciate the inherent diversity that exists… then…

Judgements loom large and Stereotypes trickle in. Assumptions run wild and Bias is at play.

And this BIAS is an Inclusion barrier. As individuals and teams, we need to build our appetite for Diversity. We can do this only when we engage with diversity.

While similarity breeds connection, diversity breeds innovation and growth. We need to first observe and bring awareness to diversity for us to be able to value it

Here are the three C’s that have worked for us in building an appreciation for diversity and inclusion in the workplace:

1. Curiosity: Curiosity may kill a cat, but can enlighten an individual. Who knows until you actually give it a shot? When you meet an individual;

1. 1. Ask questions about them and their lives. Ask genuine questions, please. It’s easy to tell if you’re faking interest.
  2. Talk to them about your life, your identity and your culture. Let there be enough give and take
  3. Don’t look for common points of connection, but stay amazed by the difference
  4. Understand their context

2. Circle of affect: Your circle influences your thoughts and your actions, subconsciously. The more diverse your circle, the better the chances of building an appreciation for diversity. How can you consciously program for a diverse team of people?

1. Does your circle have people across the gender spectrum?
2. Does your social circle have people from different cultures?
3. Does your circle have people from different age groups?
4. Does your circle have people who are differently abled?

3. Crossing comfort zones: When we go outside what we know and what is familiar, there will be momentary discomfort. Staying with the discomfort while encountering the new can be a great starting point to build appreciation for difference. And this is a two way process. The other individual should also be in a similar mindset.

Diversity is an inherent part of our life and it is about time we not only gave it the attention it deserved but also put in efforts to encourage said diversity in our own lives.

But does it just end here?

Diversity is the first step, INCLUSION is the journey ahead. Now that you’ve made efforts to understand and connect to the diversity that exists, there are ways to make your workplace more inclusive, where employees feel and experience a sense of belonging.