Global Diversity Awareness Month
October 2021
Global Diversity Awareness Month reminds us of the positive impact a diverse workforce can have on society. Our world is a place where cultures come together in celebration of our shared humanity. A world where our many customs, courtesies, and ways of life prepare us to be global citizens, stewarding inclusivity for future generations. When we ask questions and are open to learning about one another, we can thrive as a global and inclusive community.
Why is Diversity Important?
Diversity fosters creativity and innovation by casting a wider net for a more unique pool of ideas. These ideas can be reflected in workplace initiatives, programs, and events.
Below are other benefits of having diversity in the workplace:
- Raises employee confidence
Boosts productive performance
Increases skills & knowledge
Faster problem solving
Reduces conflicts
Incorporate Diversity in the Workplace
Tell stories – Offer the opportunity for new employees to share stories from their culture. While legends and folklore often seem similar across cultures, their differences, and how they are told can be colorful and even enlightening to learn.
Have a potluck – Food always brings people together! Encourage employees to bring their most authentic recipes to share and the histories behind them.
Make it visual – Put a map up in your office. Place a pin for each member of your team to represent the nationality. Some companies may touch on countries all over the map, while others may barely reach a few countries. The point is to see how each member of your team can contribute to your company because of his or her experience.
4 Ways to Counter Bias in Everyday Life
1. Have a Growth Mindset
- Fixed mindset - there is nothing to learn and no way to grow.
- Growth mindset - you see yourself as a work in progress.
2. Learn how to say people’s names
- Choose five people whose names you don’t know how to say and ask them.
- If you’re uncomfortable asking them, spend a little time on the internet and learn how to say their names.
- Don’t nickname them when they haven’t asked to be nicknamed, don’t shorten their names, don’t just point at them; say their real names.
3. Audit your media consumption
- Pay attention to your media consumption, whether it’s podcasts, books, movies, TV shows, or social media.
- Pick a category and write down the last 10 you consumed, and look at how much similarity there is among the voices.
- See if there’s a way to expand what experiences you are being exposed to. With a little awareness, we can break out of the tendency that we have to hear the same voices.
4. Build a community to grow together
- We build communities by talking about what we’re learning. If we’re willing to make ourselves vulnerable to others, whether it’s our roommates, family members, or colleagues, they will do the same - and then boom - we’ve got a community.
All of these tips can help us grow, but the other piece of the puzzle is how our society can grow from the shortcomings of the past. Many of us are now realizing that we didn’t learn a full, true account of our country’s history, whether it’s Confederate statues, or land seized from Native Americans. Research suggests that when we know our true history, we will be better able to identify current problems and apply appropriate solutions.
Balance Meditation App
1. Each day, you answer questions about your meditation experience, goals, and challenges.
2. Using an audio library with thousands of files, Balance assembles meditations personalized for you.
3. The more you share over time, the more personalized and effective your meditations become.
Irresistible Bean Dip
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can white beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons miso
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black salt
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 clove garlic, or to taste
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup, optional
- 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons water
Directions
In a small food processor or high-powered blender, combine the beans, lemon, juice, miso, sea salt, black salt, tahini, yeast, garlic, syrup (if using), and 1 tablespoon of water.
Puree, adding 1/2 tablespoon of water if needed (be careful when adding more water; dip should remain thick).
Taste, and season with extra lemon, salt, or garlic, if desired.
"DIVERSITY IS ABOUT ALL OF US, AND ABOUT US HAVING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO WALK THROUGH THIS WORLD TOGETHER." -JACQUELINE WOODSON
Email: ginther@smolaconsulting.com
Website: www.smolaconsulting.com
Location: 1 South Washington Street, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 5857774080