Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

Here's how you can show your dedication to diversity and inclusivity at work for a better shot at promotion.

In today's workplace, climbing the career ladder is about more than just meeting targets and deadlines; it's about demonstrating a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Showing that you value every colleague's unique contributions and perspectives can significantly enhance your chances of getting promoted. By fostering an environment where everyone feels respected and valued, you not only contribute to a positive workplace culture but also position yourself as a leader who is ready for greater responsibilities.

1 Embrace Learning

Dedication to diversity and inclusivity starts with understanding. Take the initiative to learn about different cultures, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities. Attend workshops, read books, or even take courses on cultural competency. This continuous learning demonstrates your commitment to personal growth and your recognition of the importance of diversity in the workplace. By being informed, you'll be better equipped to engage with colleagues from diverse backgrounds in a respectful and inclusive manner.

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Tanya M. Odom

Global Strategist/ Consultant/ Advisor/ Coach/ with expertise in: Wellbeing, Civil /Human Rights; Mindfulness; 25 years working in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion fields; "CEO Whisperer."
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Authenticity is incredibly important with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work. I would hope that the learning/advocating/reflection/personal accountability would extend beyond just wanting a promotion. This being said... in my experience many people in organizations do not know/understand all of the related components of DEI work in an organization. I think it is important to learn about the DEI strategy, initiatives, DEI commitments, external partnerships, etc. I would strongly recommend connecting with the person/team leading the work to understand what their goals are and where they might see the need for more support. Learning/self-awareness is key for anyone that wants to be a true DEI supporter or advocate

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2 Lead by Example

As you aim for promotion, remember that actions speak louder than words. Be proactive in creating an inclusive environment by inviting input from all team members during meetings and respecting different viewpoints. If you're in a managerial position, ensure that your team reflects the diversity of the broader society and that hiring practices are fair and unbiased. By leading by example, you'll show that you're not only an advocate for diversity but also a practitioner of inclusivity.

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3 Advocate Change

If you notice practices or policies that could be more inclusive, don't hesitate to speak up. Proposing changes that promote diversity can highlight your leadership qualities and your dedication to creating a better workplace for everyone. It could be as simple as suggesting a more diverse range of holiday celebrations or as significant as recommending adjustments to recruitment strategies to reach a wider pool of candidates.

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4 Build Relationships

Networking within your organization is crucial, but go beyond your immediate circle. Forge connections with individuals from different departments, backgrounds, and levels of seniority. This not only broadens your understanding of the company's diversity but also shows your interest in learning from others. Strong, diverse relationships can be a testament to your ability to work well with a variety of people, a key trait for those looking to move up in their careers.

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5 Encourage Others

Promoting diversity isn't just about your actions—it's also about empowering others to embrace inclusivity. Mentor colleagues who are from underrepresented groups or support their professional development by sharing opportunities for growth and advancement. By encouraging others, you create a ripple effect of inclusivity that can transform the company culture and showcase your leadership potential.

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Jane Hyun

I help Senior Leaders increase People & Business Innovation by unlocking ideas through the Cultural Fluency Framework
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One thing you can do to encourage others is to ask good questions at critical decision points. There is a lot of uncertainty and insecurity around taking action, so you leading the way by asking them to think and act makes a difference.

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6 Reflect and Improve

Lastly, take time to reflect on your own biases and work to improve them. Everyone has unconscious biases, but recognizing and addressing them is crucial for personal growth and for fostering an inclusive environment. Soliciting feedback on your efforts to promote diversity can also provide valuable insights into how you can better support your colleagues and further demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity at work.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can show your dedication to diversity and inclusivity at work for a better shot at promotion.

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Embrace Learning

2 Lead by Example

3 Advocate Change

4 Build Relationships

5 Encourage Others

6 Reflect and Improve

7 Here’s what else to consider

Cultural Competency

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Here's how you can show your dedication to diversity and inclusivity at work for a better shot at promotion.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Embrace Learning

2 Lead by Example

3 Advocate Change

4 Build Relationships

5 Encourage Others

6 Reflect and Improve

7 Here’s what else to consider

Cultural Competency

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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