Ethics and Inclusion Workshop Series: Introduction
Welcome to Ethics and Inclusion! I designed this series of workshops to help you connect the dots between two critically important topics.
About Ethics
The study of ethics helps us make decisions that help our communities, work colleagues, and the world. When we make ethical choices:
In short, a strong understanding of ethics helps us be the human beings we strive to be.
About Inclusion
Often, we are asked about the difference between diversity and inclusion. Diversity means difference. Human beings are different in myriad ways. However, not all differences matter. For example, one could argue that minor differences in height, hair, or eye color do not affect a person's chances of success. Therefore, one way to explain the importance of diversity in the workplace is to define diversity as the differences that make a difference.
If diversity means differences that matter, inclusion means accepting others into our circle regardless of such differences. In an inclusive workplace, everyone has a chance to contribute, to shine, to be whole. No one needs to hide part of who they are. There are no private clubs, no secret conversations, no gatekeepers.
So, what does ethics have to do with diversity and inclusion? Why tie these topics? We will spend a considerable time together exploring this very question. But, for now, know this: Reaching ethical decisions is more complex than it seems. We are very good at rationalizing poor choices or simply ignoring them. Further, we often overlook the moral shades of a situation, a phenomenon known as "ethical fading."
Even worse, we are prone to making decisions that favor those we perceive as close to us. Can you see the connection now? If we prefer those who are close to us, what happens to those who are different somehow? What happens to colleagues whose race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, core values, personality traits, or myriad other differences that matter do not match ours?
Are you ready to get started?
About Ethics
The study of ethics helps us make decisions that help our communities, work colleagues, and the world. When we make ethical choices:
- The loved ones test: We would teach people we love to make the same choices.
- The newspaper test: We would proudly defend our choice with others in our community.
- The personal code test: Our decisions match our values and our "Code of Ethics."
- The fairness test: We would make the same decision even if it affected someone we love.
In short, a strong understanding of ethics helps us be the human beings we strive to be.
About Inclusion
Often, we are asked about the difference between diversity and inclusion. Diversity means difference. Human beings are different in myriad ways. However, not all differences matter. For example, one could argue that minor differences in height, hair, or eye color do not affect a person's chances of success. Therefore, one way to explain the importance of diversity in the workplace is to define diversity as the differences that make a difference.
If diversity means differences that matter, inclusion means accepting others into our circle regardless of such differences. In an inclusive workplace, everyone has a chance to contribute, to shine, to be whole. No one needs to hide part of who they are. There are no private clubs, no secret conversations, no gatekeepers.
So, what does ethics have to do with diversity and inclusion? Why tie these topics? We will spend a considerable time together exploring this very question. But, for now, know this: Reaching ethical decisions is more complex than it seems. We are very good at rationalizing poor choices or simply ignoring them. Further, we often overlook the moral shades of a situation, a phenomenon known as "ethical fading."
Even worse, we are prone to making decisions that favor those we perceive as close to us. Can you see the connection now? If we prefer those who are close to us, what happens to those who are different somehow? What happens to colleagues whose race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, core values, personality traits, or myriad other differences that matter do not match ours?
Are you ready to get started?