The power of discussion and collaboration for EDI progress
Times are challenging for equity, diversity and inclusion work. Globally, there are conflicts and there is a shift to the right. There continues to be some pressure from a range of directions to slow down, pause or stop our work to ensure everyone is able to thrive and progress in our workplaces. In addition, there are very real financial challenges for individuals and businesses of all kinds.
So how do we keep the work we know is essential going?
For our clients, creating opportunities for the discussion of topics and collaboration is the norm, and they tell us that it’s the talking and discussion of how to resolve issues together that is the most valuable part of that partnership. This isn’t accidental, as experts in this field, we know that discussion, even of the really hard things and how they have made us feel, has been the difference between performative work and impactful work.
Discussion as a means of identifying our successes
When we are operational and in the work, it is easy to forget how far you’ve come. What’s more, you can focus on what you haven’t done which feeds into an internal narrative that you’re not doing enough and not good enough.
Identifying successes is so powerful, and speaking them out loud to others makes them even more powerful. You get to see the distance travelled and the people listening can learn from you. When you hear other people talking about their successes you will be surprised how this triggers your memory of additional things that you have achieved.
Discussion as a tool for personal reflection and learning
There is no doubt that this work brings up a lot for you. There are difficult situations and topics to navigate and mistakes are going to be made, intentions may not be the way you wanted them to be, and maybe some aspects intersect with your identity and are triggering for you.
Discussion with others in a non-judgemental space with people who have walked in your shoes is incredibly helpful. With the help of others and an experienced facilitator, you can reflect on situations and feelings, learn more deeply about the nuance of topics and turn that reflection and learning into new actions to make a difference. Growth happens when things are hard.
During discussions, people share things they’ve seen, books they have read, podcasts they have listened to and more. As a result, low stakes, free and useful learning takes place for those in the discussion, and can be shared with others outside of it.
Discussion as a means for change
We don’t believe in talking shops. Talking on its own may be supportive and therapeutic, but in itself it doesn’t lead to change.
We support our clients to identify meaningful actions turning talk into doing. As facilitators, we are able to suggest when actions perhaps don’t go far enough, how they can be implemented, what support might be needed and where to get it.
We know that discussion can be difficult and you may need support to get started. How can we help you:
Facilitated discussion. One of our expert team can help to create the space and provide guidance for discussion. Talk to us about this.
Learn more about the importance of discussion and how you can implement routines for meaningful discussion at our free webinar. Click to learn more.
Arrange a time to talk to us about your organisation and how we might be able to support you. Click here to arrange a time.
Read our blog on keeping EDI work going in political turmoil here.
Read our blog on how we guide organisations through change here.