Inclusion: Believe in the power of people

Let’s Talk - Audra Bohannon

When I started doing this work, the only word we used was "diversity". There was no and inclusion, there was no equity, there was no belonging, there was just diversity, which means I've been around for a long time.

What does a culture of inclusion really feel like?

Where everyone feels like they belong.

When you create a culture of inclusion where everyone feels like they belong, what you will access is their discretionary effort. Everyday we come to work and we can choose to give or not to give. I can choose to be focused on the work or I can be focused on my smartphone.

The way I am treated is going to determine how much engagement that I bring.

But the thing that you need to understand or give consideration to is that the way I am treated is gonna determine how much engagement that I bring, and if you treat me a certain way based on my difference, then that gets a little, it creates a distraction around my willingness to step in. To the degree you appreciate me, I'll bring it. To the degree you tolerate me, I won't.

If you want to get the best…

So, if you want to get the best, to serve your customers and your clients, then you need to shape a culture that allows me to be at my best, no matter how different I am.

Believe in the potential of people.

Believe in the potential of people that they can learn and they can grow. And do not marginalize them but give them an opportunity to reach that potential. And no matter how different they are, they deserve the right to be able to do well in their organization so that they can bring the best to their organization and fully serve those that are important to them, their clients, and their customers.