Impactful Inclusion Toolkit

ACTIVITY 2Connect with Your Why, Find Your Why Now

“I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.”

—Langston Hughes

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Every year there are a few mandatory trainings to attend in the workplace. With an increased focus on diversity, many companies now conduct trainings on bias, sexual harassment, cultural awareness, and other diversity topics to avoid legal action, demonstrate their commitment to a safe and fair working environment, and foster an inclusive culture. Organizations have their diversity and inclusion why. The why now may range from maintaining brand reputation and the bottom line in the midst of social movements like #MeToo to increased awareness and real concern for employee well-being or in response to an employee impropriety. Courses are intended to help people from different backgrounds work better together, as well as with clients/customers, and better prepare leaders to support diversity efforts. Attendance tends to be company policy and a requirement for employment with the expectation that everyone understands and agrees to comply. While training is a good thing and makes sound business sense, sometimes the unexpected happens; participants emerge feeling confused, judged, resentful, or angry. These feelings are not uncommon, and there are dozens of reasons for these reactions.

Lawrence, a White male senior manager in his mid-forties, feels that racism and discrimination aren't issues ...