Belonging, A Critical Piece of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Carin Taylor | TEDxSonomaCounty

Summary

The speaker shares a personal story about unconscious bias and how it inspired a lifelong dedication to fostering belonging in diverse spaces. They emphasize that belonging is unique for each individual, driven by factors like psychological safety, empathy, and acceptance. The speaker introduces a framework called 'VIBE' (Value, Inclusion, Belonging, Equity) to create inclusive environments where people can thrive. They encourage others to cultivate belonging in their circles, highlighting that when these conditions are met, individuals can flourish and contribute more effectively.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Unconscious bias can affect everyone, including those who are often judged themselves.
• 🙌 Belonging is deeply personal and varies for each individual based on their unique experiences.
• 💡 Psychological safety is essential for people to feel valued and share their true selves in any environment.
• 🤝 Empathy, compassion, and care are crucial in fostering a sense of belonging in communities and workplaces.
• 💪 Belonging isn't a passive experience; individuals must also lean in and communicate their needs for belonging.
• ✅ Acceptance of one’s authentic best self helps build a sense of belonging and inclusion.
• 🔗 Connection to others and a greater purpose is vital for fostering belonging and ensuring everyone feels wanted.
• ❤️ Feeling embraced, valued, and appreciated is an important component of belonging.
• 🌟 When conditions for belonging are in place, people are more creative, energetic, and driven to contribute.
• 🚀 Belonging enables individuals to thrive and change their environment for the better, promoting positive change in groups.

Q & A

What initial experience made the speaker realize the impact of unconscious bias?

The speaker realized the impact of unconscious bias after attending a sales conference where she judged a white male executive's talk on diversity. Later, she learned that the executive was gay, which made her reflect on how she had judged him based on appearance, just as others had judged her throughout her life.

What lesson did the speaker learn from her experience with unconscious bias?

The speaker learned that she had been doing to others what people had done to her all her life — judging based on appearance. This led her to commit to never making another person feel undervalued because of what they looked like.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of belonging in the workplace?

The speaker believes that belonging is crucial because it fosters a positive employee experience, helping people thrive, feel valued, and be more productive in their roles. Belonging creates an environment where people can bring their authentic best selves to work.

What is the speaker’s framework for addressing belonging in the workplace?

The speaker developed a framework called VIBE, which stands for Value, Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity. This framework aims to foster a culture of belonging in workplaces.

What mistake did the speaker make when initially trying to define belonging?

The speaker’s mistake was trying to find a single, universal definition of belonging for everyone. She learned that belonging means different things to different people, and what makes one person feel like they belong may not work for others.

What are the five basic conditions for creating a sense of belonging, according to the speaker?

The five basic conditions for belonging are psychological safety, empathy, acceptance, connection, and feeling embraced.

Why is psychological safety important for belonging?

Psychological safety is crucial because it fosters trust, allowing people to share their feelings without fear of judgment. It creates an environment where people feel comfortable being open and honest, contributing to a sense of belonging.

How does the speaker describe the role of empathy in creating belonging?

The speaker emphasizes that empathy, care, and compassion are essential in creating belonging, especially after the challenges of recent years. Leaders and colleagues need to show genuine concern for each other's well-being.

What does the speaker mean by 'authentic best self' in the context of belonging?

The speaker encourages bringing one's 'authentic best self' to work, meaning the parts of a person that contribute positively to the workplace. She clarifies that not every aspect of one’s 'whole self' is appropriate for the workplace, but the best, most productive aspects should be welcomed.

What can individuals do to enhance their sense of belonging when the five conditions are in place?

Individuals can take proactive steps to change their environment by introducing themselves to colleagues, expressing their needs, and contributing positively to interactions. By doing so, they help create a more inclusive environment and influence others to be more open and welcoming.