Global Diversity Awareness Month
Global Diversity Awareness Month –Tips for Engaging with Diverse Perspectives
October is Global Diversity Awareness Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the positive impacts that diverse people and perspectives have on society. This month reminds us to learn from each other’s unique experiences and insights, and always remember to have an open mind.
While Global Diversity Awareness Month focuses on society as a whole, at LáLew we also understand the importance of diverse perspectives in the workplace. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are the pillars of our philosophy, and we work constantly to uplift and learn from all cultures. Through our internal discussions, public displays of support and collaborations with organizations, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and progressiveness in both our workplace and our work.
In the spirit of honoring diversity, we’d like to share some techniques that LáLew employs in order to properly engage with and learn from different cultures. By practicing these suggestions, we hope to remain educated, respectful and aware.
Actively listen
When someone is sharing their diverse perspective with you, make sure you are really listening and absorbing what they are saying. Not only does this indicate respect, but it will also ensure that you are taking their words to heart. You can also use active listening techniques, like head nods and eye contact, to show that you are truly paying attention to them and their story.
Participate in training
Training opportunities are beneficial to all people existing in diverse spaces. DEIB engagement may not come naturally to some people, which is why it is important to put yourself in positions where you can learn how to effectively engage and respect other cultures. In order to better yourself and your understanding, you must take all possible learning opportunities.
Foster an inclusive environment
In order to properly show respect to diverse cultures, it is necessary to create a space where people are able to be authentically themselves. Through open dialogues and expressions of inclusivity, you can foster an environment that is welcoming to people from all backgrounds. It is in these spaces of belonging that awareness and trust can be built.
Never stop learning
Always remain a student. This is a pillar of LáLew’s general philosophy, but also incredibly relevant to conversations surrounding DEIB. In order to properly engage with diverse cultures, it is essential to be open to learning new things, be willing to erase past misconceptions, and be constantly striving towards progress.
During Global Diversity Awareness Month and beyond, remember to remain open and ready to learn when faced with diverse perspectives.