Hello! We are really happy you’ve come by for a chat. Let’s Tango!

We’ve all been there. We’ve done or said something with the intention of being inclusive, yet inadvertently caused someone harm. Perhaps you used language that someone finds offensive, missed naming all the groups impacted by an injustice you were trying to highlight, or made another mistake that you didn’t realize until someone pointed it out. You notice the raised eyebrow, the look of pained shock or disappointment, or feel the cold shoulder, and realize you have definitely blundered. So what should you do now?

Steps to address and learn from inclusivity mistakes

1. Own Your Mistake

      Listen and respond: Take the feedback seriously and listen carefully without interrupting.

      Take responsibility: Acknowledge what you said or did, or what you failed to do.

      Avoid immediate fixes or explanations: Resist the urge to justify your actions immediately.        Instead, focus on acknowledging your responsibility.

      Apologize honestly: Offer a sincere apology and commit to doing better in the future.

2. Stay with the Conversation

      Embrace authentic curiosity: Use this moment to learn more about the nature of your mistake.

      Ask open-ended questions: Inquire about your word choices and the impact of your oversight to better understand another culture, lived experience, or point of view.

      Thank the other person: Express gratitude for the insight and for helping you learn and improve.

3. Lead by Example

      Invite regular dialogue: Encourage your team or colleagues to have regular discussions on various DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) topics. Create opportunities for everyone to learn and share their own experiences and ideas.

      Demonstrate active engagement: Show your commitment to these issues through your actions. The more actively you engage, the more others will follow suit.

      Persist through mistakes: Understand that the path to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture will have obstacles and mistakes. Owning them and persisting is how real inclusion happens.

Practical Tips for Creating an Inclusive Culture

      Educate yourself continuously: Stay informed about DEI issues and best practices.

      Encourage open communication: Foster an environment where team members feel safe to speak up about inclusivity issues.

      Implement feedback: Act on the feedback you receive to make meaningful changes in your behavior and practices.

      Promote diverse voices: Ensure that diverse perspectives are included and valued in decision-making processes.

Conclusion

Navigating inclusivity mistakes is an essential part of fostering a genuinely inclusive culture. By owning your mistakes, staying engaged in the conversation, and leading by example, you can turn these moments into opportunities for growth and improvement. Remember, the path to inclusivity is ongoing and requires continuous effort and learning. By committing to this journey, you can help create a more inclusive and understanding environment for everyone.

Thanks for stopping by. We hope you found at least one little nugget you are taking away with you. What will you do to bring it into full living color?

______

Get Tango Insider Access – Subscribe below!