Organizations across various sectors are increasingly aiming to enhance their diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI). Yet, many feel stuck, unable to move forward in their DEI work. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. It's a common situation for anyone trying to shift culture, change the way an organization operates, and create more equitable spaces for all people.
Why do we feel stuck? Often, it's because we're trying to make significant changes all at once. However, this approach often leads to feelings of overwhelm, resulting in stagnation. Instead, consider this: what if we focused on making a 1% improvement each day? Over time, these small changes compound, leading to exponential long-term growth.
The concept of 1% improvement isn't new. In fact, “kaizen” is a Japanese philosophy that translates to "change for the better" or "continuous improvement." It involves making small, incremental changes regularly, which add up to significant improvements over time. This philosophy promotes a culture where all employees, from top management to the shop floor, are actively engaged in improving processes. Kaizen is often used in business and manufacturing for quality control, but it can be applied to any area of life, including personal growth and development. By focusing on small, incremental changes, we can make progress without feeling overwhelmed.
James Clear, the author of "Atomic Habits," beautifully encapsulates the power of 1% improvements:
"In the beginning, there is basically no difference between making a choice that is 1 percent better or 1 percent worse. (In other words, it won’t impact you very much today.) But as time goes on, these small improvements or declines compound and you suddenly find a very big gap between people who make slightly better decisions on a daily basis and those who don’t.
Here’s the punchline:
If you get one percent better each day for one year, you’ll end up thirty-seven times better by the time you’re done. This is why small choices don’t make much of a difference at the time, but add up over the long-term."
What are the ways we can all be 1% better? What are the ways we can be accountable to each other to keep up with our small improvements?
And how can you apply this 1% rule to your DEI work? Try these 5 simple steps:
1. Start with Self-Awareness
Before you can improve anything, you need to know where you stand. Conduct an honest assessment of your organization's current DEI state. Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This initial step is crucial as it sets the baseline for your 1% improvements.
2. Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Next, set clear and achievable goals for your DEI work. By breaking down your larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks, you can make consistent progress. Remember, the aim is to improve by 1% each day, so keep your daily goals realistic.
3. Involve Everyone
DEI isn't the responsibility of one person or department; it's a collective effort. Encourage everyone in your organization to participate in this journey. When everyone contributes their 1%, it leads to more significant, more impactful change.
4. Celebrate Progress
Every 1% improvement is a step in the right direction. Celebrate these small victories. Acknowledging progress, no matter how small, boosts morale and encourages continued effort.
5. Keep Learning
The journey towards a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization is a continuous process of learning. Stay open to new ideas, listen to and learn from the communities your organization serves to strengthen relationships, and don't be afraid to adapt your strategies as you go along.
Feeling stuck in your DEI work is a common experience, but it doesn't have to be a permanent state. By focusing on making a 1% improvement each day, you can drive significant change in the long run. It won't be easy, and it won't happen overnight, but remember: every journey begins with a single step. So start small, keep going, and watch as your small changes lead to big progress.