Ways to Promote Inclusivity in Science Collaborations

Think your workplace is inclusive? Subtle habits may be saying otherwise.... Discover how to move from ‘minimizing differences’ to fully embracing them. 📌Minimizing Problem #1: Silences differences Tip: Encourage open dialogue by creating structured opportunities for people to share their unique perspectives. Establishing listening sessions or rotating discussion leaders can ensure everyone has a voice. Promote psychological safety so that individuals feel comfortable speaking up. 📌Minimizing Problem #2: Assumes similarities Tip: Avoid blanket assumptions by actively speaking to understand individual backgrounds and perspectives. Use tools like cultural intelligence assessments to highlight differences within the team. Encourage team members to share personal insights, fostering a culture of curiosity rather than assumption. 📌Minimizing Problem #3: Encourages assimilation in overt or covert ways Tip: Shift the focus from “fitting in” to “belonging” by celebrating diverse contributions and encouraging unique approaches to problem-solving. Help develop and promote policies that allow flexibility, such as alternative communication styles and methods, dress codes, or cultural observances, to demonstrate that differences are respected, reflected, valued, and expected. 🫂Many of us, even those who consider ourselves progressive, may find ourselves in the “minimization” stage. This stage values fairness but often falls short on true inclusivity by overlooking cultural differences and encouraging assimilation. To genuinely embrace diversity, we must move beyond minimization. It's about more than just accepting differences—it's about adapting and evolving our practices to respect and leverage these differences. Intercultural competence is a journey, not a destination, and it’s essential to stay connected with others along the way. Let's commit to continuous learning and improving our ability to interact effectively across cultures. Comment ‘LEVEL UP’ if this resonates with you!

Ensure all voices are heard by leaning into CURIOSITY! Designing inclusive working sessions can start by inviting questions from EVERYONE- for example, the technique below honors introverted voices and fosters diverse perspectives. Try out some of these practical techniques below in your next meeting or collaboration session… Quiet Reflection Time:  ↳ Create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. Structured Brainstorming Sessions:  ↳ Ensure each participant has designated speaking time to reduce pressure. Rotating Facilitators:  ↳ Vary leadership styles and ensure diverse voices are heard throughout discussions. One-on-One Discussions or Smaller Group Settings:  ↳ Provide intimate settings where introverts can freely express their ideas. Techniques like this create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. This approach isn't just about diversity. It's about harnessing the power of all perspectives. Together, we can foster environments where every voice contributes to success. Let's ensure that every team member feels empowered to bring their best to the table.

In my prior job, I had a staff person that some folks found difficult to communicate with. I encouraged them to consider the cultural differences between themselves and the staff person. Communication styles vary widely across cultures. What might seem clear, direct, and respectful to one person could come across as unclear, indirect, or even blunt to another. It’s crucial to recognize that what’s "clear to you" might not be "clear to them" due to these differing cultural norms. When faced with communication challenges, I encouraged my team to consider a few things: Observe Patterns: Notice if the communication style is consistent with others from the same cultural background. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Engage in a conversation about communication preferences to better understand where the other person is coming from. Self-Reflect: Consider your own cultural biases and how they might influence your perception of others' communication styles. By taking these steps, we not only improve our communication but also strengthen our team dynamics. Instead of viewing these challenges as obstacles, we should see them as opportunities to learn, grow, and enhance our cultural competence. Creating an environment where we acknowledge and respect cultural diversity can significantly improve collaboration and foster a more inclusive workplace. Effective communication isn’t one-size-fits-all. Let’s embrace the richness that cultural differences bring to our teams and learn from each other. #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #CulturalCompetence #Teamwork