Diversity, Equity & Inclusion For Dummies

Chapter 19

Ten Common Myths about Diversity and Inclusion

IN THIS CHAPTER

Not taking DEI seriously

Misunderstanding DEI and its purpose

As you work to make your company more diverse, equitable, and inclusive; you’re going to hear a lot of statements that just aren’t true. Those who make these statements are usually well-meaning but ill-informed. Sometimes, however, they’re deliberately trying to sabotage your work. In either case, you have an opportunity to correct the record. In this chapter, I debunk ten common myths about diversity and inclusion. Feel free to use these responses to educate others about DEI.

When We Check This Box, We Can Move on to Other Priorities

Diversity, equity, and inclusion work is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s not about “checking a box,” or completing a discrete series of tasks and calling it a day. It’s not about hiring just enough folks who are considered “minorities” or putting the company through a single DEI training course and expecting the culture to change. DEI is about recognizing that talent comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, backgrounds, cultures, personalities, and the like. It’s a change management process that requires time, effort, resources, support, and every staff person’s commitment to fostering a culture where everyone is treated ...