Sometimes You Just Don't Know!

Sometimes you just don't know what you don't know until you know it."

“Sometimes you just don’t know what you don’t know until you know it!”

In the last decade I have become acutely aware of the lenses in which I see the world and how those lenses have been built and focused due to my age, religion, nationality, heritage, education, socialization and the way I have been loved or sometimes… not so loved.

I am a Diversity Trainer and I absolutely love it. Seeing that “ah-ha” moment in a person’s eyes can have me flying high for the rest of the day!
 
See the thing with diversity training is many people don’t believe they need it…until they experience it. ☝🏾
One of my favorite words to break down is ethnocentrism. Essentially, it relates to the judging and understanding of cultures. Do you judge another person’s culture based on your own?

I often ask the hard questions (after of course laying the ground work like a good teacher/trainer). Do you have egalitarian beliefs? Do your actions align with your beliefs? Do you ever find yourself acting in a way that implies “my culture is superior to yours?”

Unpacking stereotypes, unearthing subconscious bias, breaking down barriers, challenging the way you live and work…that is some serious work. It’s not fun work, it doesn’t feel warm and fuzzy, it often doesn’t bring immediate returns, but the long term gains to one’s character are immeasurable.

I challenge you today to reflect on diversity. To be your own trainer. To do your own work. Worldwide, there has been so much in the news that highlights the need to go beyond awareness and discussion and move towards action. Solid, concrete, “I am going to fight through this discomfort for the greater good” kind of action.

Remember that diversity is more than just about race or nationality, but also about age, class, religion, sexuality, gender and the list goes on…

Do some knowledge hunting of your own. Find out what you “don’t know. “ Unpack your stereotypes. Understand implicit and explicit bias. Look for it. Call it out. Reflect on your views and ask yourself whether your actions are truly in line with your beliefs…even when you may be the bystander. Be willing to be uncomfortable…because I am yet to see positive change without individuals being willing to sit in a little discomfort.

Never underestimate the power your knowledge building has in your growth game and the game changer it can be for you, your circle and beyond.
​
Have a beautiful day my friends.❤️