Shame is said to be one of the pillars of dehumanization. And yet it has been deployed in so many ways to control and move people to act, that the negative ramifications of it can be felt through generations — and also within organizations. As companies navigate multiple generations, cultures, identities and lived experiences in the workplace, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, respected, represented, and ultimately cared for. But the demand to see it through is at an all-time high. The cry for change is loud, but so is the shame surrounding the actions of leaders who are trying to make their work environments more equitable and inclusive.

On today’s episode of Inclusion in Progress, we break down the concerning trend around using shame as the primary tool of conversation within DEI., and hold space for an open conversation about whether or not there might be a better way forward. We break down the difference between shame vs. accountability, and why knowing the difference between both in ourselves first can help move the needle on equity and inclusion work. While we don’t have all the answers, we have a shared desire to see this industry inspire impact and sustainable change, not propagate the same types of exclusionary behavior we say we’re committed to dismantling. This is a big episode, and is likely to cause a moment or two of reflection and thought, so please press pause as many times as you need, and join us on today’s conversation.

In This Episode:

[3:48] Since DEI was pulled to the forefront of everyone’s mind 2 years ago, people are beginning to feel like change isn't happening fast enough — but who is really responsible for that?

[8:41] How some members of the DEI industry  are choosing to utilize shame in how they show up online, and why it might be hindering the progress we’re making to build inclusion in our workplaces.

[13:28] The “fly on the wall” conversations from client partners about feeling like they’re being shamed — and how the constant focus on what’s “missing” or what “isn’t going right” might actually be doing more harm than good in the would-be allies and leaders we need

[17:10] A brief primer on shame, its history as a centuries-old tool of oppression and dehumanization, and the unique response it causes in our bodies that prevent productive, solution-oriented, compassionate conversations from happening.

[22:57] The distinction between shame vs. accountability, why many of our workplaces are already rooted in shame, and how shaming can actually backfire in DEI work because it makes the work performative.

[31:00] The arguments for and against cancel culture, how it’s extended to our workplace, and how using it in DEI work actually compromises psychological safety and prevents sustainable action and accountability.

Links:

info@inclusionandprogress.com 

www.inclusioninprogress.com/podcast

www.instagram.com/inclusioninprogress

www.twitter.com/inclusioninprog

www.linkedin.com/company/inclusion-in-progress

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Read more about black intersectional feminism in Audré Lorde’s book, “The Master’s Tools Won’t Dismantle the Masters’ House”

Read more of Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey’s conversation in their book, “What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing”

Listen to Brené Brown’s thoughts on Shame and Accountability on her podcast, Unlocking Us with Brené Brown.

Connect with Us

info@inclusioninprogress.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusion-in-progress

Connect with Our Founder

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayfabella

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