5 Things / making it right
This week I was inspired to learn about the specific ways video game company Activision Blizzard is turning itself around after its "bro" culture led to sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuits. After a two-year investigation that culminated in a lawsuit this July, the company is making it right, in a systemic, but also authentic, way. It takes a lot of courage to admit mistakes, but when leaders do that, it can become a catalyst for a more psychologically safe work environment and a significant change in culture.
5 Things / the “full self” fallacy
Inclusion at its core, is about creating spaces where everyone feels safe to be authentically themselves, to "bring their full selves to work." And we're told (and frankly, I tell others) that the true rewards of DEI (creativity, innovation, profit, etc) come when employees bring their full selves.
5 Things / Spellcheck
When a system is redesigned so that inclusion is the default, there's less risk of human bias. (That's why Inclusive 360 is so focused on systems change.) But in order to change the systems, we have to identify the areas of opportunity. That's of the reasons I've been so impressed by Geena Davis's Institute for Gender in Media and its Spellcheck for Bias program, developed in partnership with USC. The program uses artificial intelligence to analyze film and television scripts for diversity (originally gender diversity).
5 Things / community
This week my friend Rhodes Perry invited me to join in conversation with his Belonging Membership Community. Rhodes is a fellow DEI consultant who's built an incredible community of DEI practitioners (internal and external) who learn together, share with each other, and uplift one another. It was wonderful to spend an hour with that community, and a reminder for me that this work cannot be done alone. Changing the world can sometimes feel lonely.
5 Things / back to school edition
Most kids are officially back in school, so I'm dedicating this edition of 5 Things to some of the kids books created by wonderful folks in my network. It's never too early to start talking to kids about diversity. Note: these books are for younger kids.