BRASS TACKS Episode 4 MIND THE GAPS  

Around 80% of all diversity, equity and inclusion efforts fail. https://hbr.org/2016/07/why-diversity-programs-fail  Many times, our best laid plans for change on equity or inclusion fail because we bring the wrong frameworks, benchmarks and metrics for change to these projects. We treat Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) projects like other more "technical" projects. 

But DEI  projects are different than other types of projects your team will take on, and they need different organizational development tools and skills to be successful. Noemi's question this month asks us to consider - How do we mind the gaps? How do we get one step closer to achieving our big dreams by being aware of what special considerations your organization needs to consider in designing a diversity, equity and inclusion project - outside of just making sure you've got great content on race, equity inclusion. etc.

For more on change management, check-out Managing Transitions by William Bridges as a helpful start.

EXTRA: There was one aspect of Noemi's question we didn't get to explore in depth in the recording: "How do we make the case for change, while still honoring the work that has come before?" Change management can help us do this, but I wanted to share a little more detail here on this idea. Many of us have only experienced racial justice or diversity/inclusion conversation steeped in shame or guilt. When that's our approach - we are "calling out" people and undermining what has come before. While it is certainly important to name and own mistakes, transgressions, oppressions that have come before, it is equally important to acknowledge our humanity, intention, and desire for growth. We don't want to gloss over the failures that have made us realize we need change, and we also don't want to ignore the strength and courage of our past that has led us to this moment of change - we need time in the start of a project to own and understand the complexity of our current context.
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As always, thanks for listening and feel free to find me at: nicola@upwithcommunity.org

BRASS TACKS by Nicola Chin with audio production by Caroline Losneck

Episode 4 BrassTacks

Brass Tacks is a conversation about the nuts and bolts of how to move individuals and communities to collective action. By Nicola Chin from Up With Community.

Each month we answer your toughest questions on putting your big ideas into action.  Send your questions to nicola@upwithcommunity.org. Connect to our monthly newsletter at www.upwithcommunity.org