Inclusion - it starts with you!

We talk about diversity and inclusion at Mayo but what do we actually have to do to accomplish that? Having top leadership commitment is not enough. How can we create a culture where everyone feels included? Here are three things you can do to start to be inclusive every day!

1. Seek out difference! When you are seeking advice about a project/issue, stop and ask yourself who did you miss or not ask? Why did you skip that person? Next time intentionally seek out advice from those that are different from you. That can be gender, age, race, education level, or job roles just to name a few.
2. Be curious! Ask questions, stay quiet, and listen to what people have to tell you. In fact listen to what people are not saying; sometimes the unspoken words are the loudest we should be listening to.
3. Connections matter! Think about who you take out to lunch, coffee, or hang out with outside of work time. Are you connecting with only those that look like you, have your experiences, went to the same schools, etc… OR are you intentionally connecting with others that are different? This is a great way to make sure that no one on your team is left out of the circle.