Gauge the sense of inclusion you create by the depth and frankness of the dialogue you engage in

It’s one thing to say you’re inclusive based on the surface connections you have with people of different backgrounds (e.g., “I have black friends.”) It’s another thing to truly engage with those people – to get vulnerable with them and communicate in ways that lead to exchanging personal experiences and having meaningful dialogue. Considering that trust is given, do your behaviors signal that people who are different than you can be their true selves with you? Do you convey a sense of genuine care, concern, and curiosity? Do you show an ability to respect and process other perspectives and experiences? Take stock and take accountability for the dynamics you have created with the people in your life – both personally and professionally.

And if your organization claims to value diversity, equity, and inclusion but you still tiptoe around identity in conversations where it really counts, you still have a lot of work to do. Consider specifying your level of candor in addressing identity as a metric for your DEI progress.