Practical diversity: taking inclusion from theory to practice | Dawn Bennett-Alexander | TEDxUGA

Summary

This speech explores the concept of practical diversity in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of turning diversity theory into actionable behavior. Through personal anecdotes and real-world examples, the speaker highlights the consequences of unchecked biases and discrimination, illustrating how small actions can lead to costly legal consequences. The speaker outlines three core principles for fostering inclusion: identifying and addressing harmful biases, being less judgmental, and treating others with respect through the golden rule. The talk demonstrates how these simple practices can reduce workplace discrimination and enhance organizational culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 A defining childhood moment led the speaker to realize the importance of aligning actions with personal values.
• 😀 Diversity in the workplace should move beyond theoretical mission statements and become actionable in daily practices.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing personal biases to avoid discriminatory actions in the workplace.
• 😀 Practical diversity is a concept aimed at actively addressing biases to reduce workplace discrimination and avoid legal liabilities.
• 😀 The speaker coauthored books on employment law and diversity, making them an authority in this field.
• 😀 Workplace discrimination cases, like the $15 million lawsuit, are often avoidable through simple, respectful actions.
• 😀 People often engage in discriminatory behaviors not out of malice, but due to unconscious biases or messages learned growing up.
• 😀 The speaker shared a personal story about their daughter’s misunderstanding of race, illustrating how early messages shape our perceptions.
• 😀 Recognizing and addressing biases is key to creating a fair, inclusive workplace environment.
• 😀 The speaker's three principles for reducing workplace discrimination: 1) Identify and address biases, 2) Stop being judgmental, 3) Follow the golden rule (treat others as you'd like to be treated).
• 😀 Simple actions based on kindness and respect can prevent costly legal issues and foster a positive workplace culture.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main message about diversity in the workplace?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of moving beyond theoretical diversity statements and actively practicing diversity in the workplace through concrete actions. This approach helps to avoid discrimination and liability.

What is a 'Rosetta moment' as described by the speaker?

A 'Rosetta moment' refers to situations where a person's actions contradict their values or beliefs about kindness and equality, much like the speaker's childhood incident when they pulled a chair out from under their classmate Rosetta.

How does the speaker relate their childhood to their professional mission?

The speaker connects their childhood experience of acting against their values with their professional mission to promote diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination, highlighting how one’s actions can reflect or contradict their core beliefs.

What is practical diversity and how does it differ from theoretical diversity?

Practical diversity involves actively integrating diversity into daily workplace decisions and actions, unlike theoretical diversity, which often exists only in mission statements or policies without actual implementation.

What legal framework does the speaker highlight in relation to workplace discrimination?

The speaker highlights Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disabilities, genetics, and to some extent, sexual orientation and gender identity.

What was the outcome of the trucking company's case mentioned in the talk?

The trucking company was fined $15 million for race discrimination after segregating employees by race, allowing racial slurs, and retaliating against a white employee who attempted to intervene.

What does the speaker say about biases and their formation in childhood?

The speaker explains that biases are formed early in life through societal messages, such as gender or racial stereotypes. For example, the speaker’s daughter thought only black people could be doctors because she had never seen a white doctor.

What are the three principles of practical diversity the speaker outlines?

The three principles of practical diversity are: 1) Recognize and address your biases, 2) Avoid being judgmental, understanding that 'different from' does not mean 'less than,' and 3) Follow the golden rule by treating others as you would like to be treated.

How did the speaker handle the situation with the man who had strong anti-LGBTQ+ views during a workshop?

The speaker handled the situation with humor and professionalism, explaining that the man’s personal views were his right, but translating those views into actions that could harm the company was unacceptable. The speaker also pointed out the inconsistency in the man’s argument, helping him reconsider his stance.

What does the speaker mean by saying 'it's all about love' in the context of workplace diversity?

The speaker uses 'love' to emphasize respect, kindness, and compassion in the workplace. By treating people with dignity and respect, unnecessary discrimination claims can be avoided, leading to a more harmonious and effective work environment.