Workhuman Radio

Operationalizing Diversity and Inclusion with Brittany Harris


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Brittany Harris is the VP of Learning and Innovation at The Winters Group, a global diversity inclusion and equity consulting firm. She will be speaking on Authenticity at WorkHuman Live 2020. She joins Mike Wood on WorkHuman Radio to discuss how she supports leaders and organizations in operationalizing diversity and inclusion.
A Skill Set
The Winters Group approaches Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) education as developmental. It’s a skill set that requires ongoing work around understanding yourself and others, and creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be authentic. The company supports organizations through cultural audits and identifying metrics, as well as DEI strategy development. Brittany sees her work as a passion: she and her company are change agents, she says. In addition, motherhood has reshaped how she sees her work. It’s even more important and urgent now, she says. Mike agrees that you need passion for your work, otherwise you will leave.
Framing Cultural Competence
Cultural competence is the ability to effectively engage across differences. It doesn’t come easy, Brittany points out, because it’s human nature to be most comfortable around people who are just like us. It takes intentional effort in the four E’s to build cultural competence:
Exposure - increased contact with diverse people;
Experience - engaging in transformative experiences that shift our perspectives and build connections;
Education - to give greater context about different people and cultures;
Empathy - being able to take the perspective of others and understand an experience that is not my own.
Brittany reiterates that these skills take time to develop, and it’s a model to keep top of mind in your daily interactions. Mike encourages listeners to get out of their comfort zones and talk to people who are different. When you do, you’ll realize there isn’t much difference. He believes that much of discimination comes from fear of others. Brittany adds that one way to minimize the fear is to assume positive intent. 
Resources
WintersGroup.com
The Inclusion Solution blog
Brittany Harris on Twitter |  WorkHuman Live 
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