How can sustainability professionals develop their diversity, equity, and inclusion skills?
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Sustainability professionals face complex and urgent challenges that require diverse perspectives, inclusive collaboration, and equitable solutions. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) skills are not only ethical and moral imperatives, but also strategic and competitive advantages. How can sustainability professionals develop their DEI skills and apply them to their work? Here are some tips and resources to help you on your journey.
Before you can improve your DEI skills, you need to know where you stand and where you want to go. You can use self-assessment tools, such as the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) or the Cultural Intelligence (CQ) Assessment, to measure your intercultural competence and identify your strengths and gaps. You can also seek feedback from your colleagues, clients, and stakeholders on how you demonstrate DEI in your interactions and projects. Be open to constructive criticism and learning from your mistakes.
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Roland Busa
Ensuring CSRD Compliance 🌐| Simplifying Sustainability Data Management🌍| Optimizing Sustainability Data for Increased Investor Trust 💼| Chief Technical and Operational Advisor for ESG & CSRD at denxpert
Self-awareness is the first step to personal growth, including in DEI. It takes courage to assess your intercultural competence and accept feedback. Embracing this journey of self-improvement not only benefits you but also contributes positively to a more inclusive and diverse environment.
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Veronique Swinkels
@UndercoverActivist / Workplace Activism / Lab toekomstige Generaties /Social Entrepreneur/ Go for Good / The Present/ Inspired by Yoga
Part of assessing your current level is also knowing where you come from. Where you were born does matter a lot for your perspective. There are companies (Disney?) where you are asked to assess your privileges in order to understand better what social capital you are given by birth, upbringing, and education.
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To develop your DEI skills, you need to expose yourself to different perspectives, experiences, and knowledge that challenge your assumptions and biases. You can read books, articles, podcasts, and videos that cover topics such as anti-racism, social justice, intersectionality, and cultural humility. You can also join online communities, networks, and events that focus on DEI in sustainability, such as the Diversity in Sustainability Network, the GreenBiz Circles, or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Action Zone. Be curious and respectful, and listen actively and empathetically.
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Roland Busa
Ensuring CSRD Compliance 🌐| Simplifying Sustainability Data Management🌍| Optimizing Sustainability Data for Increased Investor Trust 💼| Chief Technical and Operational Advisor for ESG & CSRD at denxpert
Expanding your DEI skills requires a proactive approach. Actively seeking out diverse perspectives and experiences helps break down barriers and fosters empathy. It's a journey of continuous learning that enriches your understanding and enhances your ability to promote inclusivity in sustainability and beyond.
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Veronique Swinkels
@UndercoverActivist / Workplace Activism / Lab toekomstige Generaties /Social Entrepreneur/ Go for Good / The Present/ Inspired by Yoga
And I would say, talk to people. If you find your social circle is not very diverse, make an effort to come into contact with a more diverse group of people. Set up some interviews to make sure you get all perspectives needed and use those as well to test assumptions. There might be a Living Library near you where you can make an appointment with someone completely different from yourself.
Learning is not enough; you need to practice your DEI skills and integrate them into your sustainability work. You can do this by applying a DEI lens to your sustainability goals, strategies, and actions. For example, you can use the SDGs framework to align your sustainability efforts with the global agenda for social, environmental, and economic justice. You can also use tools such as the Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool (EJSCREEN) or the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Analysis to assess the impacts and benefits of your sustainability initiatives on different groups and communities. Be proactive and accountable, and seek to create positive change.
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Roland Busa
Ensuring CSRD Compliance 🌐| Simplifying Sustainability Data Management🌍| Optimizing Sustainability Data for Increased Investor Trust 💼| Chief Technical and Operational Advisor for ESG & CSRD at denxpert
Absolutely, integrating DEI into sustainability is crucial for meaningful progress. Using tools like the SDGs framework and EJSCREEN helps ensure that our efforts benefit all, especially marginalized communities. It's not just a checkbox but a commitment to justice and inclusivity in every aspect of sustainability work.
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Veronique Swinkels
@UndercoverActivist / Workplace Activism / Lab toekomstige Generaties /Social Entrepreneur/ Go for Good / The Present/ Inspired by Yoga
Be also aware if the intersection between Climate issues and Social issues. More clarity is needed around Climate Justice. Where are the effects of climate change most felt? Research shows it is mostly in poor countries, poor neighbourhoods and poor people. They will not be able to prepare, metigate and pay for the changes that are needed to make our society more resilient.
You don't have to develop your DEI skills alone; you can seek support and collaboration from others who share your vision and values. You can find mentors, coaches, or peers who can guide you, challenge you, and support you in your DEI journey. You can also partner with organizations, institutions, or movements that work on DEI in sustainability, such as the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the World Resources Institute (WRI), or the Climate Justice Alliance (CJA). Be humble and grateful, and acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of others.
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Roland Busa
Ensuring CSRD Compliance 🌐| Simplifying Sustainability Data Management🌍| Optimizing Sustainability Data for Increased Investor Trust 💼| Chief Technical and Operational Advisor for ESG & CSRD at denxpert
Collaboration is the cornerstone of effective DEI work in sustainability. We can learn from each other, leverage diverse perspectives, and create stronger, more inclusive solutions. Organizations like IISD, WRI, and CJA play a vital role in advancing DEI, and joining forces is how we drive meaningful change.
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Gbenga Arotiba , MBA
🚀 Visionary Leader | Data Engineer/Architect | AI Enthusiast 🤖 | Making Positive Impact through Technology 💡
We can't change the world alone. we need each other. Build a community of givers that can create a domino's effect in terms of positive change. Don't go too far right or left but always look for a balance.
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Developing your DEI skills is a lifelong process that requires continuous learning and growth. You can keep track of your progress and achievements, and set new goals and action plans for your DEI development. You can also keep up with the latest trends, research, and best practices on DEI in sustainability, and adapt to the changing needs and expectations of your stakeholders and the world. Be flexible and resilient, and embrace the opportunities and challenges of DEI in sustainability.
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Roland Busa
Ensuring CSRD Compliance 🌐| Simplifying Sustainability Data Management🌍| Optimizing Sustainability Data for Increased Investor Trust 💼| Chief Technical and Operational Advisor for ESG & CSRD at denxpert
DEI in sustainability is an ongoing journey. It's not just about ticking boxes; it's about embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values. As we adapt and grow, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
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Veronique Swinkels
@UndercoverActivist / Workplace Activism / Lab toekomstige Generaties /Social Entrepreneur/ Go for Good / The Present/ Inspired by Yoga
Look for connection you can make with social movements outside your company. They can provide you with insights and activist stories. And if you are a workplace activist make sure you take care of yourself. Personal care and building a support network will prevent you from a burn-out and helps you to keep a long term commitment for the change you want to bring.
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Veronique Swinkels
@UndercoverActivist / Workplace Activism / Lab toekomstige Generaties /Social Entrepreneur/ Go for Good / The Present/ Inspired by Yoga
There is no best person for the job, there is a best person for a team that needs to get a job done. Look at what you need in your team to be able to address the challenges and opportunities of the diverse markets you are serving.
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