How to tell unique stories at work (while avoiding tokenism)
Let's think about how to tell inclusive stories at work without creating tokens. Yes, we’ll touch on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Oooh, and then you'll put headphones on and watch a talk show host bricki-bricki-break it down to a sick beat. But let's be mullet about this and start with the business up front.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are good for business and for stories
Lots of future-facing companies talk about how a diverse workforce gives them an edge and there is proof that it does. And let's be clear we're talking about influence, not headcount. But while we can regale the concept of diversity at a company level, it's tough as a little ol' employee to demonstrate how your unique background is an asset. When you think about how to tell “diversity” stories at work, where do you start?
Tell your story from your unique perspective
I'm a woman, immigrant, and former social worker (read Luddite), consulting in tech...WHO LET ME PAST SECURITY?!? I made it this far because of all that stuff, not in spite of it. Perhaps that is true for you, too? Diversity is not limited to origin, ethnicity, religion, body abilities, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. The list keeps growing and the intersections matter. Let's explore how to leverage your own stories beyond making friends at happy hour.
How to know if you have a unique perspective story
What we’re talking about is perspectives. When we share stories to advocate for ourselves we come to the fork in the road.
Should I talk about how I am like everyone else despite my uniqueness or should I double-down on it?
You can do both. Talk about that time when you were able to figure out, prevent, repair, etc. something because of your unique perspective. For example, was there something you deciphered because English is your third language? Did you see something others missed because you use a wheelchair? Did you uncover something because you're the one person who looks like you at the table? Show how your insights moved your team become stronger, smarter, or better because of your unique combination of perspective and character. The intersections of your identity can give you X-ray vision sometimes.
Employers should beware of telling stories starring tokens
The people who need to know the most about how to tell diversity stories at work are the ones telling stories about other people—whether employees, clients, or anyone else—to demonstrate the organization's diversity. It's not a bad thing; it's a nuanced thing. Being conscious about tokenism and inclusion is especially important for employers highlighting their diverse employee population as part of the organization's brand.
Telling a representative story can help humanize your brand. If you're the author, then co-create the story with the person the story is about. Show the whole person, even if the story has a branding angle. The story will need to demonstrate how that employee's unique perspective and experience influenced the organization. Otherwise, it's a regular story, which serves a different end.
Telling your story can define your personal brand
So here is my former social-worker coming out...think about the words you use to describe the collection of all that you are, especially in your origin story. If you're feeling like an outlier or imposter, do you think everyone else sees you that way? Reframe your self-doubt so your more than the odd-one-out.
Maybe you are a fighter, a diplomat, or a life-long learner. It's not bullshit if you deliver. And that is part of what diversity and belonging are about—the reality of how societies, companies, nonprofits, government, and the world are better because of including and respecting more perspectives rather than assimilating them. Stories are the proof and while some people aren’t ready to hear it, they can’t take it away from you.
Get your headphones on...
That was a lot. So let’s take a music break and listen to what Lilly Singh has to say about it all. And fun fact: that thermostat quip is real. Thermostats are set for men's metabolic rates or at least that is what science says. Hit it, Lilly...