A Non-Performative approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Insights from the Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles Program

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A Non-Performative approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Insights from the Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles Program

January 5, 2024

In the spirit of culture change and transformational leadership, the Diversity and Inclusion Office, Materiel Group, National Defence, annually hosts the Lifting as You Lead Mentoring Circles (LLMC) program—a beacon of mentorship for Government of Canada and Canadian Armed Forces members. The third cohort featured 700+ participants from 30 diverse departments, and in the fourth week, the program delved into the critical subjects of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), exploring a non-performative approach.

The LLMC Discussion Guide hones in on a non-performative approach, going beyond superficial gestures to tackle the root causes of systemic bias and inequality. LLMC members delved into the meaning of moving beyond the checkbox, acknowledging the necessity to transcend awareness training and embrace an authentic form of allyship. This involves continuous self-education, active promotion of DEI through actions, addressing hidden biases, providing genuine assistance, and embracing the intricate challenges of DEI work.

Leading the Office Hours meeting during the two-week coverage of DEI, Section Head Samantha Moonsammy explained that we all have privileges and obstacles: “We are not all starting from the same place, and this is a fact. We have inherited structures that historically and currently benefit certain groups over others.” Reflecting on the guide's thematic focus on equality and inclusivity within the workplace, Samantha invited LLMC members to ponder their individual actions in cultivating DEI principles within their respective organisations.

One member expressed that the guide sparked substantial and informative conversations within their circle, acknowledging the difficulty of the subject due to its depth and transformative potential. As the member explained, “For the average individual with no ill intent, it's hard to admit privilege; it is a self-indictment. Reflecting on oneself and identifying a wrong is challenging. On the flip side, some compassion can help us overcome the threshold. When you can empathise and show compassion, we move a step forward.” Indeed, one of LLMC’s core themes is cultivating compassion and awareness for the individual, placing the human side of business at the forefront of day-to-day workplace interactions. The LLMC journey engaging with the subject of DEI did not conclude there. Wrapping up the two-week conversation, human rights advocate and co-founder of the first Black employee network in the federal government, Richard Sharpe, delivered a powerful and transformative masterclass titled “Black in the Matrix: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” The masterclass reflected on institutional racism in Canada, particularly in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. Sharpe explained that the systems we are all part of were put into place by the founding fathers and were constructed on white supremacist ideology. Sharpe offered the audience a set of prescriptions for undertaking DEI work and showing true allyship. These prescriptions included self-educating on the histories and contributions of Black, Indigenous, and racialized people, listening to Black voices, creating safe spaces for racialized and marginalised members, and embodying the principle of Black inclusion, to name a few. On this note, Sharpe invited members to become allies and co-conspirators in support of Black lives.

One key takeaway from the masterclass is Sharpe’s remarks on the role of leadership in the work of anti-racist liberation. In his words, “Leaders that take on this work must overcome the fear of dealing with the hard and complex reality of racism and the fear of making mistakes while addressing it.” These words underscore one of the LLMC program’s core mandates of empowering leaders to undertake the courageous work of transgressing racial and institutional barriers. As suggested by one LLMC member, “The LLMC community evidences the fact that we, as members of society and the public service, are coming together to do the work.” Indeed, members continued to show up, despite the challenges of the contemporary social climate, exemplifying tenacity, courage, and dedication to being part of the transformation of the Federal Public Service.

To learn more about the LLMC Discussion Guide and Masterclass on Inclusive Leadership, visit the GC wiki for all the resources:

Lifting as You Lead Mentoring Circles (LLMC) program

https://wiki.gccollab.ca/Lifting_as_You_Lead_Mentoring_Circles_Program_2023

Circle Guide - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Images/b/b6/2023 LLMC Circle -4 Discussion Guide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.pdf

Masterclass - Black in the Matrix with Masterclass Teacher Richard Sharpe

Black in the Matrix - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion