Tools for Creating Inclusive Cultures
Inheritance Project's Top 6 Tools for Creating Cultures of Belonging.
Think of this as the owner’s manual - a how-to guide for creating powerful shifts in your team or community.
Contents
Introduction to the Toolbox
Adopting these tools is like learning a new instrument. They might feel silly or clunky at first, but with practice and repetition you will be able to fully integrate them, and create harmony within your team or group.
1. Timed Shares
WHEN TO USE Timed Shares
Any time you...
want to get everyone's perspective at a meeting
need to resolve conflict
need input from many people before making a decision
want to get highest quality contributions in the shortest amount of time.
HOW IT WORKS
Explain the goal of the meeting and the structure of this exercise i.e., individual timed shares followed by open dialogue
Align on Agreements (see Tool 1)
Ask a clear and specific question to focus participants shares
Give everyone an equal amount of time to share their perspective on the specific question e.g., 2, 3 or 4min / each
Invite everyone to listen deeply and note any questions or comments, which they may circle back to at the allotted time
Give individuals a timed notice when they are reaching the end of their timed share e.g., 1min left
Honor the timer and do not allow anyone to go over time
After everyone has shared, set a specific amount of time for open dialogue e.g., 10min
During open dialogue, anyone can share their questions or responses to anything that was expressed in the timed shares
2. Stream of Consciousness Writing
When to use SOC Writing
Any time you…
want to generate new and divergent thinking on a topic
are looking to invite reflection and insight underneath the surface
want to invite creative thinking and new perspectives from on a problem or obstacle
how it works
Choose a well thought out prompt(s)
Clearly explain the purpose of the exercise to the group
Give a time frame for the writing (i.e. 5-10 minutes). Be sure to provide a reminder as the exercise is coming to a close
Provide 3 minutes following the writing exercise for people to review their writing and highlight key takeaways. This is important for people to process their raw thoughts
Invite each person to share x number of highlights
Remember
This is meant to be generative, and used for divergent thinking as opposed to convergent thinking and decision making
Using Timed Shares is a great way to invite input from a group after SOC Writing
3. Defining Terms
WHEN TO Define Terms
Any time you are….
Convening a group for the first time
Bringing on new members to your team
Kicking off a new project
Introducing a new concept, term or idea
Defining Terms ensures everyone on your team is speaking the same language. When you take the time to define terms upfront, your team will work much more efficiently together. You will save time on misunderstanding and avoid unnecessary conflict arising from miscommunication.
HOW IT WORKS
Show the term you want to align on
Ask the group how they would define the term and surface different understandings of the term
Share your definition of the term - you may adjust your definition based on what the group shares, if necessary
Explain why you are using this particular definition for the purposes of the group
Ask the group to consent to using this term in this way for the duration of your time working together
