Returning from the 2023 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Conference in Dallas, we encountered many great sessions embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. As we all continue through our personal journeys to a more diverse workplace, let three basic principles guide you as you lead the way.
Be an Authentic & Intentional Leader
Be an authentic and intentional leader. Accept who you are and what you do well. Lead when it is uncomfortable and be willing to learn from your mistakes. Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress has said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
Be the kind of authentic leader that never has anyone on your team bringing their own folding chair. Not only give them a seat at the table, make sure everyone’s voice can be heard at the table.
Be Willing to Fail Forward
Step outside your comfort zone and make sure to fail forward. We are all going to make mistakes as we navigate through the diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges in our individual places. We may use the wrong pronoun or make an insensitive remark. It is okay to trip up, but make sure you “trip forward”. Own it. Be intentional. Correct your mistake, apologize, and move forward. It is uncomfortable, but when you fail forward you will help create positive change.
Words Matter – “Tell Me More”
One of the takeaways from the NRPA Conference was to create a blanket statement. A statement that can give you time to pause and try to understand exactly where another person may be coming from in the moment. My blanket statement is “tell me more.” Next time you find yourself in a conversation, with the opportunity to be more inclusive, try not to get defensive, but simply state, “Tell me more.” This will give you space to try and understand the opposing viewpoint, and perhaps you’re not that far apart.
I leave you with a quote from Dr. Loretta Ross, an activist of social justice:
“You can’t be responsible for someone else’s inability to grow. So take comfort in the fact that you offered a new perspective of information and you did so with love and respect. Some people you can work with and some people you can work around. But the thing that I want to emphasize is that the calling, in practice, means you always keep a seat at the table for them if they come back.”
And as why not live today as my favorite t-shirt states, “Human Kind – BE BOTH.”
Dr. Laure Kosey worked on Campfire Concepts’ strategic plan projects for the Community Park District of La Grange Park and Macomb Park District in 2022.
When she is not busy freelancing for Campfire Concepts she can be found using her leadership skills at Oak Brook Park District where she is the Executive Director. Laure is also very active with IPRA as a member of the Diversity Task Force and is assisting the IPRF board with several events. In her free time, Laure cheers on her beloved Green Bay Packers and loves to travel.
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