Periodically examine my network to see who’s in it and who’s not. Proactively seek to create a more diverse network each time I do this.

Mentor someone who is different from me (i.e. age, ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ+, disability, culture etc.).

Work to understand my potential blind spots through reading, watching TV specials and movies, listening to podcasts, etc.

Challenge myself to engage in conversations about race to expand my understanding of how and where I can make a positive difference.

I will catch myself when having strong reactions to someone and ask myself why (strong reactions may point toward a hidden bias). Wonder about how the experience would be different if I assumed the person had positive intent and shared goals.

Make a habit of asking lots of questions – it can undermine any incorrect assumptions, and it demonstrates I value others’ insights. For example, ask people questions when I am not sure of their thoughts, feelings or motivations; ask for feed- back; ask how I can support them; ask what I can do to help the team work more effectively, etc.

Take a look at the "room" and ask what voices are not at this table.  Challenge the status quo if certain groups are not represented.

Hold weekly/monthly team meetings and dedicate time to team building and “getting to know you” activities – even if the meetings are virtual, lead exercises that build greater trust and inclusion.

Do a scan to ensure that my team – across all levels – is representative of the local talent pool. If it is not, partner with HR and others to create a strategy and set of actions to create a more diverse workforce.

Forgive someone who has made a mistake in their efforts to be inclusive. Recognize that learning requires trying new things and being willing to not always 'get it right' at first.

Establish a team Diversity & Inclusion goal and hold myself and my team accountable to it.

Remember the business world is an extroverted world. Find ways to get the best out of the introverts on my team. Consider reading the book "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking" by Susan Cain – or watch her TED Talk.

Take the free Harvard Implicit Association Test (IAT) to recognize my bias to help ensure fair decisions are made when promoting, hiring and developing my team.