Wow.

If you’ve even been remotely paying attention to the United States presidential election, you know what derision and division look like. It’s created a pervasive animosity that spreads like wildfire, resulting in complete strangers treating each other like enemies. Instead of focusing on issues and having healthy, impactful discourse, pride and hyperbole begin to take over. We stop listening and our opinions become weapons. Ultimately, we become blinded by our desire to be right rather than to do right.

The world of DEI is not immune to this toxic conflict.  On one hand, there are many people and organizations that recognize the necessity and value of DEI. We are grateful and excited that these DEI Champions continue to push for greater inclusion (we love our Rework Work clients!). On the other hand, other conversations are taking place as to whether or not DEI truly has value in society, much less in our workplaces. As a Black woman, the fact that we are still having this debate is grossly offensive to me.

We have talked about this before. We’ve seen what a world of exclusivity and privilege looks like and, thanks to all you DEI Champions, we’ve also seen what it looks like when belonging and inclusion get top billing. We have to take our blinders off and draw a line in the sand. As we navigate through the next couple of months, don’t be distracted by the drama or the loudest voices. Now is the time to decide — which side of history will you be on?

Stacey Gordon, MBA
Rework Work CEO