Inclusive language’s importance at work: Unlocking a brighter future

Editor’s note: Veteran entrepreneur and investor Donald Thompson writes a weekly column about management and leadership as well as diversity and other important issues for WRAL TechWire. His columns are published on Wednesdays. Thompson of The Diversity Movement was named an Entrepreneur Of The Yea 2023 Southeast Award winner. 

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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – One of the nation’s great strengths is the essential work shouldered by 1.3 million nonprofit organizations. More than just the sum of their accomplishments in their communities, nonprofits also employ more than 10% of America’s private workforce, more than in other – seemingly larger – industries like finance, construction and manufacturing.

According to the National Council of Nonprofits, these groups “feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten and nurture people of every age, gender, race and socioeconomic status, from coast to coast, border to border and beyond. They foster civic engagement and leadership, drive economic growth and strengthen the fabric of our communities. Every single day.” 

As business executives, one of the ways we can immediately help our communities and the families that fill them is by raising funds for or serving on the board of directors at nonprofits that align with our professional and personal interests and objectives. I have learned so much and spent significant time with numerous nonprofits in my career, including serving on the current boards for Easterseals UCP, ECU Health Medical Center and Raleigh Chamber.

Donald Thompson

WORDS TO ACTION – HARNESSING POTENTIAL OF INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE IN NONPROFITS

I have seen the power of nonprofits firsthand, as well as their tremendous impact in communities locally and statewide, which has been an impetus for The Diversity Movement to team with Easterseals UCP to publish The Inclusive Language Handbook, Easterseals UCP Nonprofit Edition. The new book written by Jackie Ferguson focuses on the power of words to either build bridges or create barriers in a world where language carries great power.

As Easterseals UCP President & CEO Luanne Welch writes in the foreword, “Words matter. They can heal or hurt, encourage or discourage, and connect or divide the very people at the heart of any organization. Choosing the right words can build better relationships, better companies and better communities.”

Following the successful publication of The Inclusive Language Handbook, which has reached tens of thousands of readers across more than a dozen countries, we created this handbook to focus on the nonprofit sector, delving into the profound impact of language on relationships and organizational culture. Whether you are a nonprofit leader, a team manager or a person committed to fostering a more inclusive society, The Inclusive Language Handbook provides practical tools and actionable steps for leveraging the power of words to effect meaningful change. That final point is important – thought-provoking prompts, self-guided questions and exercises that will drive home the power of using inclusive language in the user’s day-to-day work and home life. 

Inclusive Language Handbook

EMPOWERING VOICES, INSPIRING CHANGE – DRIVING NONPROFIT IMPACT

Recognizing that inclusive language is not just a matter of correctness, but an embodiment of respect and empathy, Ferguson offers guidance on utilizing inclusive language within the nonprofit sector and in the communities they operate. By employing thoughtful and inclusive language, readers can foster stronger relationships, nurture productive teamwork, and create a culture of inclusivity that attracts and retains talented individuals.

“Easterseals UCP understands the power of words on inclusion and the power of inclusion on daily life,” Welch explains. “Our mission is to provide meaningful, exceptional services so that children, adults and families living with disabilities and mental health challenges can live, learn, work and play in their community.” 

For those of us working as board members or raising funds, the idea is that embracing inclusive language is not a short-term trend. Rather, it is a fundamental aspect of building sustainable nonprofit organizations. By prioritizing inclusive language, nonprofits lay the foundation for long-term growth, positive impact and continued community support. One of the first steps we can take as leaders is to communicate with one another in ways that model the language we want to adopt.

RESPECT AND EMPOWERMENT THROUGH INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE 

Despite what you might think from political rhetoric or what you hear on news channels, inclusive language is so much more than a checklist of politically correct terms. As leaders, we engage with others this way as a display of respect and commitment to our colleagues, teammates and communities. 

Inclusive language is a reflection of our respect and commitment to honoring diverse backgrounds, identities and experiences. In this way we create a safe environment where all our stakeholders feel valued, heard and encouraged to contribute their best ideas. The results derived from communicating more respectfully range from fostering mutual respect and better collaboration to creating a culture-centric organization that thrives on excellence.

The rewards for using inclusive language are felt at the individual level and across the organization, according to Ferguson. “You’ll clear the path for everyone to do their best work. As a matter of fact, inclusive language will strengthen and transform the whole culture for the better.”

As executives, we have the ability to transform organizations through language by serving as role models for the kind of communication we want to see and everyone to adapt. My own experience as a nonprofit board member and running philanthropic programs has demonstrated that embracing inclusive language today will shape a more inclusive and successful future for our teams and businesses. 

We can certainly commit to learning, growing and leading with intention and authenticity. Together, we can unlock the true potential of our teams and create workplaces that inspire excellence and drive lasting change. The time for inclusive language is now – let’s make this our legacy.

About the Author 

Donald Thompson, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 Southeast Award winner, founded The Diversity Movement to change the world. As TDM CEO, he has guided work with hundreds of clients and through millions of data touch points. TDM’s global recognition centers on tying DEI initiatives to business objectives. Recognized by Inc., Fast Company and Forbes, Thompson is author of Underestimated: A CEO’s Unlikely Path to Success, hosts the podcast “High Octane Leadership in an Empathetic World” and has published widely on leadership and the executive mindset. As a leadership and executive coach, Thompson has created a culture-centric ethos for winning in the marketplace by balancing empathy and economics. Follow him on LinkedIn for updates on news, events and his podcast, or contact him at info@donaldthompson.com for executive coaching, speaking engagements or DEI-related content. To further explore DEI content and issues impacting your work and life, visit TDM Library, a multimedia resource hub that gives leaders a trusted source of DEI content.

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