A new and meaningful DEI

DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; I hear people using this term in snarky remarks these days. DEI is occasionally used as a checkbox to make it appear as though a company achieved progress by someone's criteria. 

Let's think about it for a little. Isn't DEI a quota system with no clear definition? Is meritocracy doomed? Why should race, gender, and socioeconomic status be relevant? Why is it that as leaders, we are unable to look past appearances and concentrate on the person? Why do we feel the need to label people according to their race, gender, interests, and a myriad of other characteristics? Are we losing the human element?

Bureaucratic activities can overshadow the essence of dignified, compassionate individuals within the program definition of DEI. There are legitimate concerns voiced since these projects may not always follow the desired course and fail to include the human factor. One danger of a checklist mentality is that it might erode the basic values of understanding and decency. While we're at it, let's get back on track. Recognize that the goal of true DEI is to create polite, courteous individuals. Seek genuine comprehension and relationships by looking past checkboxes. Assembling such individuals in groups and communities can encourage a nonviolent mixing of perspectives, enriching our common experience with dignity and empathy. I hope that the new DEI initiative—Dignified Empathetic Individuals—succeeds.