“Environmental footprint” has become a popular concept, familiar to most of
us today. People acknowledge the idea of personal responsibility in making the
world a better place to live – or at least not making it worse – for our
generation and the ones to come. The environmental footprint refers to the use
of natural resources: the smaller the footprint is, the better.
How about adopting the concept of footprint in diversity management – a diversity footprint? It would illustrate
the impact in making the world, a community, a work place, better for every
individual. It would reflect everything we do to support people different from
ourselves, and to enhance diversity and inclusion. The bigger the footprint is,
the better we are doing.
Research indicates that practical and long-lasting personal contacts with
diverse people are the key to tolerance, respect, inclusion and mutual dignity.
Tolerating differences, and avoiding and addressing discrimination, is just the
beginning, the base line. We should go far beyond our comfort zone and learn to
live with ambiguity, questioning our own values and norms. It takes personal investment
to learn new ways of thinking and feeling, to develop new attitudes.
It’s a common
misconception that as long as our outward behavior is politically correct, the
inner thoughts are invisible. In reality, thoughts send subtle micro messages
through which our true nature is revealed. Moreover, oftentimes thoughts eventually
lead to words and actions. They always make a mark. So does “inaction”
(forgetting the other person’s name, accomplishments, or even her/his existence);
inaction speaks louder than we think.
People who differ from the norm, usually develop great sensitivity for weak signals and hidden messages in other
people’s behaviors, for managers’ biases and organizational dynamics. Therefore,
to win the trust of everyone, there is a need for special effort and self-critical
alertness to fight ignorance. There also is a need for courage to openly address
inappropriate behavior, biases, and exclusion. These are the elements that make
the footprint.
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