In my work as a DEI consultant, I have seen an infinite number of acronyms that refer to these initiatives—DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion); D&I (diversity and inclusion); DEIJ (diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice); DEIJA (diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility); and the list goes on as the acronyms grow longer! On the one hand, I understand that there can be advantages to these increasing levels of specificity. My work is inherently centered around advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility! On the other hand—well, aren’t these concepts in many ways… the same?
As I think about these acronyms and the increasing amount of terms they include, I have to force myself to take a step back. What if, I ask myself. What if I was someone overwhelmed with DEI? What if I was someone resistant to DEI, and I kept finding myself facing a new DEI-related acronym every other day of the week? How would I feel?
“Confused” is probably the most concise answer, but “frustrated” may tag along right with it. Why have so many acronyms? Which one is the right acronym? The real one?
Of course, all of these acronyms are “right” and “real” in the sense that DEI, D&I, DEIJ, DEIJA, and so forth each seek to communicate the importance of creating a diverse, welcoming, fair environment. However, I learned early on in my work as a speaker the importance of simplifying complex messages. As I watch acronym after acronym pop up and increase in length, I have to wonder: are we doing the opposite with DEI? Are we taking a relatively simple message—care for and respect other people, no matter who they are or where they come from—and complicating it as we tack on letter after letter?
Here’s my advice: simplify it! As I mentioned at the start of this blog, diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility are inherently intertwined. There is no such thing as equity without justice. Inclusion demands accessibility for all and the celebration of diversity. Simply put, we cannot accomplish any one of these concepts without implementing the others.
For companies, I would recommend choosing an acronym for their DEI-related initiatives and sticking with it—keep things consistent! In that same vein, I would even advise the broader movement to unite around one acronym and ideally minimize confusion. We don’t want to push resistant individuals away when too many people already seek to make this important topic needlessly polarizing. At the end of the day, the message of DEI is one that is simple yet crucial, and our acronyms would perhaps be best reflecting that!
Dima Ghawi is the founder of a global talent development company with a primary mission for advancing individuals in leadership. Through keynote speeches, training programs and executive coaching, Dima has empowered thousands of professionals across the globe to expand their leadership potential. In addition, she provides guidance to business executives to develop diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and to implement a multi-year plan for advancing quality leaders from within the organization.
Reach her at DimaGhawi.com and BreakingVases.com.
