Our Approach
We value connection over content
Consultative and co-creative (as opposed to prescriptive)
The approach for an EDI plan must in itself be inclusive. Though our work draws from a deep amount of experience, it assumes a highly consultative approach. In our practice, this is most sustainable, as it ensures all voices are included, all ideas are welcomed, and all community needs are acknowledged.
Asset-based (as opposed to deficit-based)
As part of an EDI audit, the first assessment is of the existing EDI assets: where is there existing capacity, who is doing EDI well, what lessons can we build upon? In many large organizations, these assets are hidden in unexpected places, such as the Finance Department or Customer Experience. Often, the solution to inclusive excellence is not to create new practices, but to find and share existing practices from within the organization.
Inclusion data-driven
Workplace demographics cannot tell us how open a workplace is to experiential and thought diversity and give no indication of how inclusive an organization actually is. Rather than being driven by “diversity targets”, our approach is more focused on levels of inclusion throughout the organization, using an inclusion survey Alden E. Habacon developed for First West Credit Union in partnership with Cambridge University. This inclusion survey is now widely used throughout British Columbia. Moreover, my approach emphasizes inclusion for all, including those who are part of the majority culture. This approach is less threatening and reduces resistance to EDI efforts.
Measurable using globally-recognized EDI benchmarks
Measuring progress is the hardest aspect of any EDI strategy. Current state and progress towards Inclusive Excellence can now be measured using a set of globally-standardized EDI benchmarks.
Strategically operationalized
We use a standardized set of EDI benchmarks that provide a detailed breakdown of common “low-hanging fruit,” medium-term goals and long-term goals. This approach ensures expectations are better-managed, and resources are optimally deployed.
Balanced between being flexible to customization and “plug-and-play”
Acknowledging that people are at different places along their inclusion journey, some folks will want immediate solutions with clear directions, while others will prefer a framework from within they can explore ideas and innovative practices. In an ideal scenario, there is a balance between “plug-and-play” solutions and a more open framework.
Fostering of thought leadership
With every organization we have worked with, our approach seeks the opportunity to position the effort as leading the industry or sector. Inclusive Excellence’s approach also aims to cross-fertilize approaches and learning from other organizations we are currently working with.
Humanistic
An effort towards EDI that does not result in friend-making, cross-fertilization, and increased connectivity across the system will fail to live up to the organization’s Mission. A humanistic approach to inclusive excellence also ensures the efforts recognizes the complex intersections of people’s lived identities.
