DEI: What Are You Serving? — Lessons for Those Who Are Cooking Up Change in Their Organizations

When it comes to creating meaningful change in organizations, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are key ingredients that cannot be overlooked. But too often, organizations are only serving up the appetizer when it comes to DEI — they’re talking the talk, but not walking the walk. If we want to create real change, we need to serve the full meal.

Think of it this way: DEI is like a meal that you’re cooking up for your organization. The appetizer might be a few workshops or trainings on diversity and inclusion. It might be a few new policies or initiatives designed to promote equity. But if that’s all you’re serving, you’re missing out on the main course — the deeper, more systemic changes that need to happen in order for your organization to truly be inclusive.

Serving just the appetizer might make your organization feel like it’s making progress, but it’s only scratching the surface. It’s like offering your guests a few carrot sticks and calling it a meal — they might nibble on them, but they’re not going to feel satisfied or nourished. In the same way, if we want to create real change, we need to offer our organizations the full meal — the deep, substantive changes that will truly transform the way we work, think, and relate to each other.

So, what does the full meal look like when it comes to DEI? It might mean implementing policies that ensure pay equity and address discrimination in hiring and promotion. It might mean creating a culture of belonging, where every employee feels valued and included, regardless of their background or identity. It might mean challenging long-held assumptions and biases, and actively seeking out diverse perspectives and voices.

Cooking up the full meal of DEI takes time, effort, and dedication. It’s not something that can be done overnight or with a few quick fixes. But it’s worth it — because when we serve the full meal of DEI, we create organizations that are truly welcoming, equitable, and diverse. We create environments where everyone can thrive, contribute, and be their full, authentic selves.

So, as you cook up change in your organization, ask yourself: what are you serving? Are you offering just the appetizer, or are you committed to serving the full meal? If you’re ready to create real change, it’s time to get cooking.

Effenus Henderson, HenderWorks, Inc.