Organizations should make an effort to create an inviting and secure atmosphere for everyone, regardless of what background the person comes from. Although this may seem simple, history tells a different story. In order to achieve this goal, kindness and intentionality are a must. One major way in which we can show kindness throughout a professional atmosphere is by being an ally. This simply means being respectful and supportive towards one another. Cancel culture has made it difficult for anyone to say anything regarding controversial topics out of fear of life-changing backlash. Recently there have been countless examples of individuals’ lives being torn apart because of something they have said or done whether it took place recently or years ago. By being an ally you avoid any possible controversy by skipping straight to what is important, which is recognizing that we are all human beings and treating each other as such. When you step into the role of an ally you are speaking more through actions and less through words. This form of kindness can carry more weight than any statement possibly could. When we are kind to one another we are treating others as we would like to be treated. This act of humanism reminds us all that no matter what is on the outside, ultimately we are all looking for love and belonging. 

Below are two ways in which you can implement inclusivity and kindness into any professional or personal atmosphere:

1.   Look within.

• • Whether we are aware or not, we all have unconscious biases. It is likely these are a combination of one’s upbringing, geological location, and personal experiences. One way in which we can begin to work towards kindness and inclusivity is by recognizing where we may be falling short. If you are struggling to identify where your biases may lie, taking Harvard’s Implicit Association Test is a great place to start! Once we are able to identify these prejudices we are able to be more aware, and through kindness, we can make true progress towards inclusivity. 

2.   Be consistent.

• • Whether you are interacting with your boss or the janitor, practicing consistent kindness to everyone in your life is a great way to work towards inclusivity without focusing on the topic itself. Being inclusive means not only welcoming people from all backgrounds and cultures but also treating them equally. When this practice is implemented into your daily life it will cause a shift in your overall tone regarding how you interact with others. 

The author of Why Kindness Is Key To Living More Inclusively Bernard Coleman writes, “Inclusive actions become inclusive behaviors when done consistently, and can cascade through an organization.” When we take initiative and responsibility by integrating kindness through intentional decisions in our lives, we inevitably inspire others to do the same, creating a more inclusive world for us all.