What does it mean to you to be inclusive?

Being inclusive to me means creating a welcoming and respectful environment where everyone feels valued and able to contribute, regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or ability. It also means actively seeking out and including diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate and succeed.​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​

Why is inclusive language important?

Inclusive language is important because it promotes respect and understanding among people from different backgrounds and helps to avoid discrimination or exclusion based on someone’s identity. Using inclusive language means choosing words and phrases that are respectful and inclusive of all people, regardless of their characteristics or identity. At Cumming Group, we want everyone to feel included and safe.

How do you demonstrate inclusive behavior?

I demonstrate inclusive behavior by actively working to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. I do this by using inclusive language that is respectful and avoids stereotypes or discrimination and by being open to diverse perspectives and actively seeking out different viewpoints. I treat everyone with respect and value their contributions. I am also actively learning about different cultures and experiences and incorporating this knowledge into our in-office initiatives.

What does it mean to you to be inclusive?

Working to ensure that everyone feels valued and respected as an individual, as well as being open to the ideas and opinions of others.​​​​​​​

Why is inclusive language important?

I think inclusive language opens the message to more people and allows everyone to feel seen and heard. Inclusive language can spark participation and ultimately unite us to achieve common goals.​​​​​​​

How do you demonstrate inclusive behavior?

By examining and acknowledging my own internal biases then learning to accept and value others. Fostering inclusive behavior at all levels in the workplace helps support and encourage others, boosting collaboration, productivity, and culture within an organization.

What does it mean to you to be inclusive?

• Creating spaces for individuals to feel valued and feel respected.
• An inclusive workplace welcomes and supports people with differences and backgrounds.
• Understanding people have different ways of processing information, interacting with peers, and different approaches to achieving similar goals
• Creating environments which embrace diversity
• Focus on engagement adapted to the team
• Increasing a deep sense of individual belonging.

Why is inclusive language important?

• Inclusive language fosters a healthy and safe work environment
• The goal is to make employees feel comfortable coming to work.
• Inclusive language is highly beneficial to individual job performance as well as overall team effectiveness.  On the flip side: Exclusion is damaging and usually subtle.
• Here is what the academics (Wiebren S. Jansen, Sabine Otten, Karen I. van der Zee, Lise Jans) have to say:
  • In academic literature as well as industry practice, inclusion has been conceptualized as a psycho-social experience between an individual and a group. In other words, only a group (or a leader as representative of a group) has the power to make an individual feel fairly treated, valued, respected, and connected.

How do you demonstrate inclusive behavior?

• I demonstrate inclusive behavior by practicing inclusive leadership. This includes setting the tone, modeling inclusive behaviors, and calling people to account.
• I learn about varying perspectives and regularly challenge my own beliefs.
• I practice active listening skills.
• Consider my teams needs and personal circumstances when planning activities.
• I am honest in my efforts to be more inclusive.
• I encourage sharing of diverse perspectives.