Leadership Guide: Inclusive Leadership for Days/Weeks/Months of Awareness
Being an inclusive leader can be a challenge – there are many different “Days,” “Weeks,” and “Months” that celebrate and honour historically underrepresented groups. This can be especially difficult if these communities are not part of your personal dimensions of diversity. (i.e. you are not gay or a person of colour yourself). This is where Diversio can help – we are perfectly situated to be your ally on your journey to becoming a more inclusive leader and organization.
There are several reasons why some leaders may struggle with knowing how to celebrate various days of awareness. Leaders have shared that they struggle with the following feelings:
- Lack of knowledge and understanding: Some leaders may not be familiar with the history and significance of the day (or month) like Black History month in February. They may not understand why it is important to celebrate and may not know how to properly show support.
- Fear of saying or doing the wrong thing: Some leaders may be hesitant to celebrate days like International Day of Persons with Disabilities because they are afraid of offending or alienating members of that community at their workplace. They may not know how to properly show support without making mistakes.
- Personal biases: Some leaders may have personal biases or beliefs that conflict with the rights and visibility of certain groups like International Day to Combat Islamophobia or Asian Heritage Month. They may not understand or accept the diversity within those community, which can make it difficult for them to celebrate.
- Lack of awareness of issues in the workplace: Some leaders may not be aware of the specific challenges that employees face in the workplace for example around National Indigenous People’s Day, and National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. They may not know how to properly support and advocate for these employees, which can make it difficult to celebrate in a meaningful way.
- Concerns about backlash from customers or stakeholders: Some leaders may be hesitant to celebrate certain months like Pride Month because they are worried about negative reactions from customers or stakeholders who are not supportive of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. They may be concerned about potential financial or reputational risks associated with celebrating.
Companies and leaders must find authentic ways to honour their employees, clients, and customers. Diversio is here to be your guide, facilitator, and consultant. We can start right now with International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
This day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the issues that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community faces and to show support for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees and customers.
Why International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia matters
Did you know that around the world 67 countries view same sex relationships as criminal, and that 10 of those countries [may] impost the death penalty on those convicted?
This day was created to highlight the ongoing discrimination and violence that 2SLGBTQIA+ people face around the world. It is a reminder that we must continue to work towards creating a world that is inclusive and accepting of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By celebrating this day, companies and leaders can show their commitment to creating a more inclusive workplace and society.
If you are looking for a specific checklist of things to do on May 17th or for Pride Month know that Diversio can help. Here are some specifics:
- Watch our FREE on-demand webinar, “Celebrating and Elevating 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities | June 7th, 2023″.
- Send a company-wide email acknowledging the day and its importance. Don’t know what to say? We can help you draft an email for Pride Month or any event celebrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Host a virtual event that celebrates the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, such as a panel discussion or a movie screening. Provide resources and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees, such as counselling or mentorship programs.
- Implement policies that protect 2SLGBTQIA+ employees from discrimination and harassment. Diversio can provide you with a review of your policies and suggestions for eliminating barriers to inclusion.
- Encourage employees to attend training sessions or workshops that focus on 2SLGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion. We have off-the-shelf and customized workshops & eLearning that can be built just for your organization. We can also provide talented speakers for in-person and virtual sessions.
- Use inclusive language in all company communications, such as using gender-neutral pronouns. Our consultants can work directly with you on implementing best practices.
- Donate money or volunteer time to a 2SLGBTQIA+ cause or organization.
- Engage in allyship by advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and visibility.
- Educate yourself and others on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues, such as reading books or articles on the topic. Check out our newsletters for suggestions and resources.
By promoting 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and visibility in the workplace, engaging in allyship, and educating themselves and others on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues, leaders can show their commitment to creating a more inclusive workplace and society. If you have any questions, would like expert guidance or need a talented public speaker to enhance your Pride Month celebrations, please reach out: hello@diversio.com.
Glossary:
2SLGBTQIA+ is an acronym that stands for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and additional sexual orientations and gender identities.
This blog was authored by Matteo Stewart and was previously published by Diversio EDU in May 2023.
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