OCTOBER 21ST, 2023
In a world still grappling with the echoes of events like the George Floyd tragedy and the Orlando nightclub shooting, organizations are increasingly turning to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in hopes of fostering positive change. While this surge in DEI efforts can undoubtedly lead to meaningful progress, it also brings with it a new set of challenges—particularly when these initiatives are approached from a purely capitalist, outcome-driven mindset.
Whenever society experiences a culture-shifting event, we often see a reactive push for change. But with every push comes a pull, a resistance that can sometimes manifest in ways that perpetuate the very issues we seek to resolve. This dynamic is particularly evident in the rush to implement DEI strategies.
Many organizations, in their eagerness to diversify and create more inclusive environments, inadvertently fall into the trap of applying a mechanistic, metrics-focused approach to what is ultimately a deeply human issue.
In a capitalist framework, the focus is on optimizing variables for maximum output. But when these "variables" are human beings—each with their own unique lived experiences, emotions, and histories—this approach can be extractive and perpetuate ages-old harm. It risks dehumanizing the very people these initiatives are meant to support, reducing complex, intergenerational traumas to mere data points.
Shifting the Focus to Rehumanization
At Awakening Creatives, we believe that the key to meaningful, lasting change lies in rehumanizing our approach to conflict and DEI work. Instead of viewing people as resources to be managed or optimized, we focus on cultivating relationships, listening deeply, and centering the lived experiences of those within our communities and organizations. Every individual not only carries a rich tapestry of experiences shaped by their race, gender, and class, as well as their cultural upbringing, language, immigration journey, and national heritage.
This is where true transformation happens—not in the spreadsheets or surveys, but in the conversations, the connections, and the care we extend to one another. By shifting the focus from metrics to humanity, we can begin to heal the divides that so often keep us disconnected and at odds with one another.
Supporting Culture Change
Our consulting, education, and team coaching services are designed to support organizations and communities struggling with conflict or looking to foster a culture of belonging, care, and connection. We work with you to move beyond superficial changes and create environments where everyone feels valued, seen, and supported.
Whether your organization or community is dealing with internal tensions, navigating the complexities of DEI work, or simply seeking to build a more inclusive culture, our team at Awakening Creatives is here to help.
We bring a wealth of experience in facilitating empathic communication, conflict transformation, and culture change, all grounded in principles of equity, care, and connection. We also partner with other consultants to build a team that can support your community's unique set of challenges.
For example, we recently collaborated with a national consulting firm to review their company culture and sense of belonging through extensive surveying, extensive focus groups and regional work teams to identify urgent and specific areas for growth. We developed trainings to support the staff and leadership with their learning process as they worked to integrate their region-specific insights into their office cultures. This process was extensive, in-depth, and centered the voices of the most impacted people every step of the way.
Why It Matters
In today’s increasingly diverse world, it’s more important than ever for organizations to reflect the true spectrum of human experience in their work. This goes beyond just checking boxes or meeting quotas—it’s about creating spaces where every person feels a genuine sense of belonging and connection.
If your organization is ready to take the next step in its equity journey, we’re here to guide you. At Awakening Creatives, we’re committed to helping you build a culture that centers humanity, fosters care, and nurtures real, lasting connection. Because when we prioritize the well-being and dignity of all people, we create the conditions for everyone to thrive.
Let’s work together to move beyond conflict and cultivate a culture of belonging. Your organization’s future—and the well-being of the people within it—deserves nothing less.
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