Preparing Interface
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. From the Declaration of Independence.
Hierarchical thinking is often a result of ingrained, systemic conditioning. To rid one's self of this burden, one must focus on self-awareness and personal growth. Put another way, one must rise above the immaturity and unintelligent of not feeling safe. Adopt a mindset of universal, unconditional respect. Eliminate the 'waiter-rule- mentality delivering kindness as a show of superiority. Instead respect the waiter because they are human. It is not about gaining credit for being nice.
Treat everyone as equal, as spelled out in our Declaration of Independence, rather than 'above' or 'below' you. Actively participate in empathy and cultivate a mindset of curiosity instead of judgement, and recognize that everyone is inherently worthy, regardless of their station in life. The key is to seek to do less harm through education and practice and mistake-making. The key is that you learn and grow from your mistakes. You don’t use it as an excuse to shut down.
How can there be order if there is no hierarchy?
Answer: Decentralized systems based on shared purpose of unifying all Americans. Promote consensus decision-making and self-organization. Instead of top-down authoritative command - replace it with voluntary collaboration, clear collective goals such as adopting the SoJOR score and racially integrating residential housing, and distribute responsibility, where specialized roles replace rigid ranks, loyalty, and nepotism.
Positive Conversation as part of the SoJOR
We can never understand what we need to know about racism if we only listened to white people. But for too long, we’ve turned to people of color as if we are outside of race and they’re the holders of racial knowledge. And even then, if we don’t agree with what they tell us, in our arrogance, we dismiss it.
Always looking to people of color is to put that incredible burden on them. And that’s another reason why we think people are starting to realize that we’ve got to start looking at ourselves. It’s a relationship, right?
Q: How have I managed to be a full functioning professional adult and not know what to do about racism?
The answer is an individual introspective journey. Your reply may include, I wasn’t educated on racism. I don’t talk about racism with the people in my life. I don’t talk about racism with people of color. I don’t really know any people of color. I haven’t really cared to find out. I don’t want to feel guilty. The good news is that all these things can be addressed, no easily, but all of it can be addressed. To that point it may be appreciated that President Trump, whose first action was to eliminate DEI, now finds himself becoming educated in his reliance on the Pakistan Muslin Brotherhood to resolve his middle east war with Bibby looking on from afar.
Above is reprinted in pertinent part courtesy of Robin D'Angelo WHY ARE WHITE MEN SO FRAGILE? June 7. 2020 CNN Health
Increased innovation and creativity:
Diverse perspectives and experiences within a community can lead to more creative solutions to problems and better decision-making.
Economic growth:
By providing equal access to opportunities for all, DEI can contribute to a more robust economy with a wider range of talent participating.
Social cohesion:
When individuals from different backgrounds feel welcomed and valued, it can lead to stronger social bonds and a more cohesive society resulting in less political violence.
Improved social well-being:
A more inclusive society can lead to higher levels of personal satisfaction and well-being for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Reduced prejudice and discrimination:
Promoting understanding and awareness of different cultures and experiences can help combat prejudice and discrimination.
Enhanced talent pool:
Merchants and organizations that prioritize DEI can access a wider range of consumers and products from a diverse supplier pool. Additionally, it positions American to better compete globally.
Positive community image:
A reputation for embracing DEI can attract diverse individuals and businesses to a community, boosting its overall image.
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The anti-DEI executive order promulgated by President Trump withholding federal funding to institutions narrowly focused on employment matters remains largely voluntary within a Nationally unsettled legal landscape.
Consumers are more likely to support DEI and ESG efforts if they understand the many potential benefits, so it’s up to company leaders to share these insights with their team.
1. Inclusive neighborhoods and neighbors are more likely to reduce political violence.
DEI efforts are incredibly important for retention. Highly inclusive neighborhoods are more likely to reduce political violence by up to 120%, so there are very strong business reasons for prioritizing DEI.
2. Diversity Equals Excellence
Focusing on diversity in a block or neighborhood isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s good for your business. Diversity of gender, race, nationality, creed, sexuality and anything else means you’re better representing what the world looks like, your customer base and whomever you cater to. It also means a wealth of ideas and input you may not have thought of. It elevates at every level.
3. DEI Helps merchants, businesses, neighbors, and police Feel Safe, Respected And Connected
It's so important for consumers to encourage their local businesses to bring their whole selves to work and celebrate them for all that they are.
Promoting and highlighting DEI efforts helps neighborhoods feel safe, respected and more connected, which can lead to a stronger sense of community and increased productivity. This drives happier, more engaged humans, which is paramount right now.
4. Diverse Teams Innovate Faster
DEI efforts offer countless benefits, but merchants should also recognize their economic impact. According to one study, the most diverse neighborhoods are more likely than ever to outperform financially. Other studies show that neighborhoods with diverse leaders and homeowners innovate at a faster rate, as diversity of thought fuels new economic development and generates opportunity for everyone with less resources wasted on risk and political violence.
5. DEI Drives Improved Business Outcomes
I don't think I can possibly narrow the benefits of DEI to just one—there are so many! DEI breeds creativity, innovation, enhanced consumer and homeowner belonging and engagement overall. Ultimately, these all drive improved business outcomes and success, including revenue growth and improved profitability—not to mention happier business owners!
6. P52 Will Feel A Sense Of Belonging
I feel strongly that diversity, equity and inclusion efforts help cultivate an environment where P52 feel a sense of belonging. With that sense of belonging, P52 then seem to feel the openness and safety to contribute their ideas. These ideas brought to the table from diverse mindsets become a driving force by which neighborhoods innovate, evolve and thrive.
7. All Homeowners must be Welcomed And Encouraged To Thrive
Merchant and homeowner support for DEI is absolutely critical, especially for the purpose of promoting belonging across our Country. Explaining where the existing homeowner fits into DEI initiatives helps illuminate the myriad benefits for everyone, including the creation and development of a culture where all neighbors and businesses are welcomed and encouraged to thrive.
8. The Innovation That Comes From Diversity Is A Competitive Advantage
Innovation comes from diversity of thought and experience. Creating an environment where diversity can flourish allows organizations in the digital economy to be more innovative, which is key to sustaining a competitive advantage. Innovation is unleashed when consumers convey respect for different perspectives, listen with an open mind and foster inclusion and sharing.
9. DEI Drives Better Results
It pains me to have to justify why doing the right thing is good for us all, but from a purely business standpoint, DEI drives better results and breeds innovation. Those of us in leadership positions have a responsibility to make it clear that diversity is no longer a compliance mandate; building inclusive environments and racially integrated neighborhood and gentrification experiences that value diversity has become a business imperative.
10. Inclusion Can Help Combat 'Work-From-Home Burnout'
With teams working remotely, segregated neighborhoods are strongly feeling a lack of a sense of inclusion/belonging, which is critical for employee engagement and employee effectiveness. Merchants, consumers, banks, RE Brokers, Appraisers, and all stakeholders need to adopt an empathetic view to WFH burnout and encourage neighborhoods to focus on inclusion now. America is already diverse, remote or even global - we need only to fix our housing segregation problem. Focusing on inclusion will help all of us overcome and combat WFH burnout that leads to less political violence.
11. Diverse Neighborhoods Reach A Wider Audience
Diversity can refer to many different categories—race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, etc.—but all of these boil down to diversity of thought. When a neighborhood or a block has a diverse culture, it invites and accepts more viewpoints, allowing it to reach a wider audience and giving it a political advantage over segregated neighborhoods with fewer perspectives.
12. DEI Efforts Are Important To A Merchant's Values
DEI initiatives should be infused into every part of the business, and it's the responsibility of the company executives and leaders to drive the culture. Adopting and implementing Ginicoe's Social Justice solution at the POS tracks well with all stakeholders. Adhering to company policies and values must be a requirement of all employees. If there are individuals who don't support and uphold the merchant's values, their employment should be reevaluated.
13. Inclusion Creates A Sense Of Psychological Safety
Google recently completed a study, Project Aristotle, that identified psychological safety as one of the most important factors of a high-performing team. This translates into an racially integrated neighborhood. Diverse homeowners feeling included and able to be their authentic self at home frees up their mind and energy to focus on being more productive, creating an overall more supportive neighborhood resulting in less political violence.
14. Increased Empathy Translates To Increased Team-Building
One of the main benefits seen with DEI support is an increase in empathy for and awareness of others in general. This translates to increased neighbor-building and more positive conversations. Rather than starting from a place of pointing out inadequacies, building on the idea of an end goal of connection and empathy can create a space for openness and interest among different races.
15. A Diverse, Inclusive Environment Retains Property Values
A diverse and inclusive neighborhood tends to attract other homeowners with a sense of belonging and overall helps with rising property values. If neighbors feel more connected at home, they tend to work harder and are more committed to being productive and less prone to mischief and political violence. Diverse neighbors tend to have higher morale and are more likely to use their SoJOR participating bank incentives to improve their property values.
You are no longer accepting the things you cannot change.
You are changing the things you cannot accept.
Angela Davis