We hate lazy assumptions made about us, don't you? Every single one of us needs to be seen, heard, recognized...acknowledged for who and how we identify - not just what we look like from the outside.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion [DEI], whether it is regarding race or gender identity has been growing in awareness over the past few years - yet there is still so much guilt, confusion, and helplessness about how to incorporate DEI and "check our privilege" in our businesses, even if we are solo-practitioners. If you are taking time to watch, listen, learn - without leaning into the discomfort of having conversations around these issues, without looking at your own business and assumptions, then you have a degree of privilege.
This statement isn't intended, in any way, to blame or shame. To some it may feel like a "spanking". If so, that interpretation is coming from them, because they know something isn't right - but may not know how to change it. It doesn't feel good when you know you are making a mistake, but don't know how to fix it, right? If this has been bothering you - it doesn't have to.
In preparation for this summit we had conversations with the LGBTQ+ community, and did additional research on how to talk about and how to incorporate DEI into this summit.
Check out the Summit Guidelines at the bottom of this page for more info, but in summary:
Preferred Personal Pronouns are featured prominently within the summit. You are invited to update your screen names/profile names with your preferred personal pronouns. Let's normalize and make it safe to indicate how each of us identifies.
We must actively challenge our own assumptions. As coaches, one of the things we do is help our clients recognize and challenge their assumptions. We need to start within ourselves first. Consider this as a practice.
Treat people like people. You don't have to walk on eggshells. You don't have to feel awkward around people who are different from what you understand. Treat others how you wish to be treated.
It's OK to be confused - that's your issue. No one owes you an explanation. This is all said in love. Giving ourselves the grace of sitting in discomfort is a CEO skill.
When we know better we can do better.