Look Inside With The Four Ls
I’ve shared resources on how to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment in my weekly WINSDay newsletter for the past few months. Now, I implore you, my readers, to do your own internal self-work.
We all have biases–every one of us. Each of us has unique life experiences and perspectives, and while it can be difficult to challenge those beliefs, it’s the only way forward.
No matter the energy we pour into our organizations to make them more diverse, inclusive and equitable, it’s the people who make the organization. How are you showing up and improving yourself so you can improve your work environment and your community? Here’s what I’m doing. I’m looking inside and learning along with you.
Listen – Listen to experts on the subject of racism, equity, and being anti-racist, and allow them to teach you something by opening your heart and your mind. Try podcasts, lectures, YouTube. Listen to the narrative in your own head and question your beliefs. Listen to what your Black friends, colleagues, and employees are saying and not saying. Listen to understand.
Learn – Learn by reading books, articles, and social media posts from experts. Watch movies and documentaries. Absorb what you are learning, and unlearn what you thought you knew about Black people, racism, bias, and white privilege. Keep an open mind and get curious about what comes up for you. Learn and grow.
Live – Live your life as an anti-racist. Share your new knowledge with your friends, family, and colleagues. Correct them when they don’t get it right. Correct yourself when you don’t get it right. Do the right thing. Analyze policies and processes with your new lens. Live with purpose.
Lift – Lift up the Black community. There are a number of ways to take action and lift: use your voice to be an advocate and an ally, use your funds to support Black organizations and causes, use your feet to protest, use your right to vote, use your resources to buy from Black businesses and invest in Black founders, and use your time to educate yourself and others. Lift to lead.
