In today's world, it's increasingly important to build a strong foundation of diversity and inclusion within your company. But beyond just including a commitment to diversity in your mission statement, how do you honor that commitment in your day-to-day operations? In last week's #CommChat, we discussed how honesty and transparency are key components in managing biases and practicing inclusivity. It's not too late to jump in on the conversation, or share with us what you'd like us to cover in future discussions. Tweet us with the #CommChat hashtag to join in.For a complete recap, check out Twitter Moments. Join in: #CommChat discussions are every third Wednesday of the month on Twitter.
Jumping right in, what are some best practices for communicating about the importance of identifying and managing bias in the workplace?
Transparent communication and showing examples of good behaviour #CommChat
??? Michael Nord, SCMP (@MNordNL) March 20, 2019
Keeping others thoughts, feelings, and priorities at the top of mind on a regular basis throughout all aspects of the organization. #CommChat ??? Aaron Dunn (@AaronDunnWorks) March 20, 2019
Openness and honesty #CommChat
??? Dina Baker (@dinabaker) March 20, 2019
What are some tips to authentically represent different groups in communications without resorting to stereotypes?
Actually talk to people within those groups to find out what they actually care about and experience. #CommChat ??? Shahara Wright (@theCEOeffect) March 20, 2019
Let different voices speak to issues facing broader audiences as opposed to the expected: ex. a male leader who talks about female leadership
??? Leslie Quinton (@LeslieQuinton) March 22, 2019
A2 If feasible, have someone from the affected group review/discuss the material with you; At the very least discuss with them and learn #commchat
??? David Bakker (@dwbCommunicate) March 20, 2019
Please share examples of how brands can exemplify inclusiveness in their external communication.
I took part in a #selfesteem workshop organised by @Dove team with young girls and saw their genuine passion to educate people and address this topic. ??? Dana Poole (@dana_poole) March 20, 2019
By including images of a wide range of people in all content not just the ???inclusive??? parts or ???diversity??? elements of comms output. ??? Catherine Cashmore (@catcashmore) March 20, 2019
Walk the talk internally with diversity. External comms will follow naturally #Commchat ??? Rajiv Arvind (@RajivArvind) March 20, 2019
Furthermore, what are some pro tips for selecting visual representations of diversity and inclusion for external communications? What should be avoided?
A4: It needs to be real and representative. If it was aspirational diversity, then we need to call that out and support it with a business plan for change. The truth is diverse people are not participating in conversations because they do not feel heard. #commchat https://t.co/eUEdS2csDp ??? priyabates (@priyabates) March 20, 2019
Avoid all stock photography at all costs. Don't make up for lack of photography that represents the diverse company with something less than genuine. #commchat https://t.co/MaHP50yYqj
??? Dina Baker (@dinabaker) March 20, 2019
Have you come across training programs that have been helpful in the workplace? What positive effects could come from this?
A5 - The diversity programme at The Economist Group is outstanding. It doesn't matter the size of the organization, the programme is scalable, but the issues are consistent. ??? Dan Gold MPRCA (@dangoldmedia) March 20, 2019
Instead of diversity training, i suggest ???creating a culture of inclusiveness and diverse views???. If that happens, everybody understands the benfits of diversity. #Commchat ??? Rajiv Arvind (@RajivArvind) March 20, 2019