What is DEI and How Can I Become More Aware? - A Beginner’s Guide

DEI, or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, is a concept that is becoming more common in today’s workplace and leadership conversations. But what do these components actually mean, and how can each of us start to develop a more inclusive and equitable approach to our leadership? If you’ve ever asked yourself: “What is DEI and how can I become more aware?”, you’re in the right spot.

What is DEI?

As an individual leader, you can make a huge impact on others when you embrace DEI and you don’t need to be part of a huge team or organization to start learning more! In fact, DEI begins with individual awareness, allowing small steps to trigger big change over time.

Let’s break down the three components of DEI:

• Diversity means recognizing and valuing our differences, whether these differences are based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, background, etc.

• Equity means ensuring fair treatment, access, and opportunity for all – taking people’s unique needs and experiences into account.

• Inclusion means creating a welcoming environment where all individuals feel respected, encouraged to contribute, and valued.

When combined, these three components allow our workplaces and communities to flourish, not just tolerating but embracing and leveraging our unique differences to create a richer world for all.

Why DEI Matters

DEI isn’t a “nice to have” – it’s a powerful approach to creating a healthy, positive work culture and intentional connections between individuals. When people feel respected and valued, they’re more likely to feel invested, both in work and those around them. This creates more engaged teams, better collaboration, and oftentimes more innovative ideas and solutions.

Ways to Become More DEI-Aware

You have to start with awareness when it comes to developing a DEI mindset, and this process doesn’t have to be complex or intimidating! Here’s some key points to help you begin to navigate this journey:

1. Notice Biases: We’re human and that means we all have unconscious biases. The first step to creating more welcoming spaces is to become aware of these biases. Start by reflecting on your daily interactions and notice any assumptions you may make about others based on their appearance, role, or background. The goal is to begin to observe these biases without judgement, allowing you to eventually start shifting them.

2. Reflect on Privilege: Reflecting on your own elements of privilege can be pretty eye-opening and may feel overwhelming at the start, but it isn’t about guilt – it’s about awareness. Consider how you may have had the upper hand in various life scenarios and realize how others may not have been afforded these opportunities. This will deepen your overall empathy and inform your choices.

3. Active Listening: Listen to others deeply, without assuming or interrupting, and learn to appreciate others’ perspectives based on their own lived experiences. Be fully present when others are speaking and work to understand their experiences and ideas prior to chiming in!

4. Read Diverse Perspectives: Seek out various mediums of content that showcase a wide variety of voices and stories that are different from your own, whether this be books, articles, podcasts, or films. Consuming diverse media is the quickest way to broaden your perspective and become more aware of the experiences of others.

5. Use Language Mindfully: The words we use can have a significant impact on the feelings and emotions of others. Use gender-neutral terms when possible (like “partner” instead of “husband/wife”), for example, taking note of inclusive language. Small shifts like these can make a big difference in making everyone feel seen and respected.

6. Engage in Self-Education: Just like you’re doing now by reading this blog post, you should aim to continually engage in some self-education on the topic, registering for DEI workshops, webinars, and/or online courses. DEI isn’t a one-and-done topic – you’ll have to continue this learning journey long-term!

If your goal is to grow to become a more inclusive leader, these foundational techniques are the best place to start! DEI-focused leadership means that you’re committed to ongoing self-awareness, intentional language, and empathy. Remember, these shifts don’t happen overnight and small improvements to your daily habits will foster a more inclusive environment in every area of your life.

Awareness is a powerful start when it comes to your DEI journey, and by implementing these key pieces above, you will naturally move toward becoming a leader who promotes equity and values diversity! Look out for future blog posts where we’ll dive deeper into how these principles can impact teams and improve your organizational culture.

Looking for further work culture and DEI insights? Reach out! I’d love to see if I can point your team in the right direction.