Rachel Murray and Felicia Jadczak of She Geeks Out were joined by Thomas Harwell of Google and Chris Haigh of True Change Associates to discuss recognising the many different forms of power and unconscious privilege in the workplace and how to have the difficult conversations that bring authentic diversity and inclusion into the workplace.

khey started by defining privilege as a quality that empowers one identity group over another through no effort on behalf of either party. Privilege in one area can be a lack of privilege in another. Felicia Jadczak shared an example through the identity of being disabled. In requiring hearing aids, she is disadvantaged in some situations where the majority are able to hear well, and most hearing people do not notice their privilege versus her lack of it. However, in certain situations, being disabled can get her a better parking spot or jump the line at the airport. Privilege begets power.

The panelists also defined social power, a quality many in privileged positions are not aware they possess. Social power confers benefits to those who are part of that social circle, for example legislation that benefits people most like the legislators is a sign of social power. They were very clear about clarifying that bringing diversity and inclusion in the workplace is not an angry anti-majority movement. This is not a movement gearing up to do battle with the other side, but a way to encourage the difficult conversations that lead to inclusive conclusions.

“In a fully inclusive environment,” Chris Haigh explained, “conflict happens. What we do about it and how we handle it is what matters.” The panelists shared tested strategies of taking an experience that shows unconscious bias and turning it into an inclusive conversation and powers change.

“It’s a marathon,” clarified Chris Haigh. “Not a sprint.” Positive changes will not happen overnight, but they will happen by continuing to have the difficult conversations and seek mutually-beneficial solutions.

After the panel, Thomas Harwell graciously shared his advice on how to turn a well-meaning but clumsy request for tokenism into a productive conversation without antagonism.