My intention is to make inclusion an everyday personal habit for me and to help others do the same. I am an Everyday Inclusionist, and I want to share with you an Inclusion Idea each week.
For the rest of 2021, each Sunday I will post a blog sharing a simple, everyday way to help us not just talk about inclusion but to be about the work of inclusion. It’s to help us see inclusion at the individual level and to not overlook the small personal acts of inclusion. I’ll end each blog with a quote or recommended resource.
I want you to comment on the idea, suggest other tips and ideas, and share the blog. I want to hear about you and your practice of Everyday Inclusion.
So here we go….
May 2, 2021
Inspiring Minds With Inclusion Ideas
Inclusion Idea for the Week: Just say “Hi.”
In a virtual meeting this week, arrive early, turn your camera on, smile, and greet each say teammate by name as they arrive. At some point during the meeting, send individual chat messages with a greeting as well.
If your team is diverse, this means you will acknowledge and greet people who are visibly from different races, gender, or generations.
Saying “hi” may be easy for many people. However, for them, it’s not about the level of effort but about their consistency in reaching out to teammates outside their existing circle of familiar acquaintances.
For those like me who find this a little challenging here are three greeting and chat starters:
“Hey John, how was your weekend?”
“How do you like remote meetings, Sam?”
“Hey, just checking in to say “hi Wanda.” Have a great Monday!”
It is expected decorum and etiquette for the leader to greet everyone and acknowledge their presence at meetings. It is welcoming gesture and sets the tone that encourages participation and engagement. And teammates can follow this etiquette rule as well.
By taking the time to say “hi” to our teammates, we are acknowledging and showing our regard for their presence, and we are developing a habit that helps build a foundation for workplace inclusion.
Comments, thoughts, ideas? I can’t wait to hear from you.
Recommended Resource: Malcolm Gladwell ‘s “Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don’t Know”
Inspiring Minds 