Create a culture of equality in your meetings

Diversity and Inclusion are hot topics that also play an important role in your meetings.

With regard to meetings, diversity means tapping into the thoughts, experience and backgrounds of all your participants. And inclusion means creating an environment where everyone – whether they’re an introvert or extrovert or attending remotely or in-person – can express their honest opinions without fear of judgment or reprisal.

Here are our top 5 tips for embracing diversity and inclusion in your meetings:

1. 1. Use Chatham House Rules. Chatham House Rules means everyone is encouraged to speak as an individual and to express a view that may not be those of their boss or company. When you start your meeting, encourage free discussion by explaining that Chatham House Rules apply.
   2. Be more French. The French moto translates to ‘liberty, equality, and fraternity’. Make everyone equal in your meetings, give them liberty to express their opinions, and you’ll create a great environment. Remember, each of your participants have unique and valuable thoughts and experiences to bring to the party.
   3. Be wary of ‘Hepeating’. Many women have been in meeting where they share an idea that’s ignored. Then, moments later, a man repeats a very similar idea and everyone thinks it’s brilliant. What do you get? A disgruntled participant who stops contributing because it’s clear people weren’t listening.
   4. Don’t put people on the spot. Avoid putting people on the spot because it usually makes them uncomfortable and stops them from being honest.
   5. Use cool tools. Tools like GoWall give everyone an equal voice whether they’re an introvert or extrovert, in-person or remote. Feedback is captured in the participants own words and everyone can Like, Comment and Vote for even greater inclusion. There’s even an option for people to contribute anonymously. And the 1-click export saves a ton of time by instantly transcribing all meeting notes.

By following these 5 tips you’ll tap into the unique thoughts, experiences and backgrounds of each of your participants to create meetings that are inclusive, engaging, productive and rewarding.