How Status Contests Undermine Diversity and Inclusion In The Workplace

So much of Inclusion is hindered by people competing with each other in unhealthy ways.

Find out status contests waste everyone’s time.

Here are some key topics covered from this episode:

  • How status contests mean that the people lose out
  • My real life examples of sabotage caused by status contests
  • How the Status Problem relates to the Fallacy Problem and the Rhetorical problems of DEI

Play the episode for more

Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

Status Contests cause problems when people feel their power is being undermined

The power outside of the group is used to exert a force within the group.  It’s not always clear who wins the status contest.

Status Contests cause problems when people feel their privilege is being undermined

HR gets a lot of hate, but they’re considered to be a necessary evil. Diversity, Inclusion doesn’t always have that privilege.

Status Contests cause problems when people want to maintain their status

It’s not easy to say what you really think. So it’s easier to follow the mainstream

Check out these related episodes of the show.

The Platitude Problem of Diversity & Inclusion

The Rhetorical Problem of Diversity & Inclusion

The Fallacy Problem of Diversity & Inclusion

Whenever you’re ready, there are a few ways I can support your Inclusion Journey:

The Elements of Inclusion #4

Leaders must collaborate innovatively to leverage cultural expertise and drive business performance.

  • Why inclusive outcomes are driven by innovation
  • How developing a business case for diversity and inclusion specific to your organisation is a competitive advantage
  • Why novelty is at the heart of your inclusion journey

The Elements of Inclusion #3

Leaders must establish systems to ensure that everyone shares the same advantages and benefits. These processes will create incentives for inclusive behaviours.

  • How to augment your team with the tools and insights they need to prevent structural disadvantage
  • Why reinforcing generative norms ensures everyone belongs in the organisation
  • How inclusive representations can be embedded to promote an inclusive culture

The Elements of Inclusion #2

Leaders must redefine career development relationships to support inclusive performance.
  • Why traditional mentor relationships must be revised for an inclusive workplace
  • How leaders must embrace networks of developmental relationships for individual growth
  • Why established workplace norms must evolve for inclusion in the modern workplace

The Elements of Inclusion #1

Leaders must properly socialise people and socialise inclusive ideas by providing an environment for the cultural learning needed for an active role in an inclusive organisation

  • How your socialisation processes must evolve to encourage the sustainable cultivation of inclusive competencies
  • Why Leaders must consistently negotiate the line between organisational commitment and personal authenticity to promote performance
  • How developing intersectional self awareness can help leaders to leverage individual employee experiences