When it comes to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, it is important to note that all individuals see the world through “our own lens”. Our culture, history and life experiences can shape how we see people and view the world. To move diversity forward, it is important that we take moments in time to truly self-reflect and question why we believe what we believe, how do we view different groups of people and why. Is this what I truly believe and value?
Below is a great self-awareness activity that will help you to visually see the types of people that you encounter in your daily life. Luxa employees had an eye-opening experience with this activity. We slightly modified this activity to make bracelets instead of putting beads in a cup.
How to play:
Put beads (by color) in plastic cups in center of circle. Explain the color chart (i.e. purple beads for Hispanic, brown beads for African Americans) Give everyone an empty cup. Tell participants that after each question is read they need to pick up a bead for the type person they come in contact with. After the questions have been asked, reflect on what people’s universe looks like. Is it a good thing? Is it dominated by one group of people? If yes, why? How can you change that? Why is it important to work with and live with a variety of people that are different from you?
- Select a bead that most closely represents your race/ethnicity.
- Select a bead that most closely represents the race of your significant other.
- Select a bead that represents the race of your closest friend.
- The race of the people with whom I worship are predominately…
- My neighbors (at home) on either side of my house are…
- My doctor is…
- My dentist is…
- My lawyer/attorney is…
- My boss is…
- My co-workers are predominately…
- The people in my social circle are predominately…
- The author of the last book I read was…
- In the last good movie I saw, the people were predominately…
- The people in my favorite TV show are predominately…
- During the course of a day, the people with whom I come into contact are predominately…
- The person who I most admire or who has had the greatest impact on my life is…
- The people in my favorite music group or band are predominately…
Now Look into your cup and ask yourself: How diverse is my universe?
