Finding Common Ground: A Guide to Conversations with DEI Skeptics, Cynics, and Late Adopters

Negative attitudes, diversity fatigue, and employee cynicism are common when organizations launch efforts to improve their cultural competency. Inclusive leaders and DEI champions must engage with skeptics to identify their needs and concerns, even though these conversations can be difficult, uncomfortable, or even frustrating.

Remember, not everyone will begin at the same place in their DEI journey or make progress at similar speeds. If you can help critics understand how DEI efforts can help them and the company’s bottom line, you might find that these late adopters can become some of your biggest allies. But how do you establish that common ground? Explore our guidebook to find practical advice and helpful topics like these:

• The most common causes of DEI resistance
• How to identify what motivates your audience
• Best practices for having difficult conversations
• Scripts for answering difficult questions