Tidal Equality

'EQUITABLE INNOVATION EXPLAINED' Our full working definition, at Tidal Equality, is: 'any change that prioritizes reducing bias, barriers, discrimination, representation gaps, and inequalities to promote fairness and equal opportunities.' Discover how you can make a difference at www.tidalequality.com

Could you use an 'equitable innovation' board to chart and inspire change? In August, our co-founder Anna Dewar Gully visited the new student board and staff at the Mohawk Students' Association (MSA) - Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.   For many years, the staff leadership there - including Jackie McCollom CHRP (she/her) and Marc Iturriaga - have equipped their team with Equity Sequence® certification.   This year's student board was gearing up to make some significant positive impact on their fellow students at Mohawk College, so Anna guided them through a workshop where they spent time mapping two primary areas: - systemic inequalities faced by students, and - practical pain points students experience as a result From there, the group was able to identify opportunities for equitable innovation to processes, programs, policies, events, and more, that could create more equitable and inclusive outcomes and experiences for the student population, and the 'Equitable Innovation' Board will play a key role in showcasing their work.   Do you want to design your own 'Equitable Innovation' Board?   Here are some ideas for how you might put it to use: - Identify pain points/problems your stakeholders face - List key stakeholder populations to consult in your decision-making - Record your change and capture your impact - Anchor your meeting discussions Do you need a structured approach to making equitable innovations? Learn the Equity Sequence® in 2.5 hrs and use it to guide you toward greater impact with your team. https://lnkd.in/g3D2Qr3

Is your team in need of an uplifting fresh start to the fall? Look no further!   Last week, we shared with you Activity 1 from our series, "Activating Joy as Your Strategic Superpower," called "A Joy Map" (if you missed that post, you can find it here: https://lnkd.in/gcv-rfpS) This week, dive into an activity to help you find the connections your team members have to purpose in their work.   Over the next several newsletter issues, we will provide you the remaining two in a sequence of discussion activities that, combined, will help you create: 😊 A Joy Map, 😊 A Purpose Path, 😊 An Impact Route, and 😊 The Nexus between the three (your strategic superpower) So, stay tuned, and use the Activity description below to guide you through "A Purpose Path."   In the meantime, if your team is facing unique challenges and you could use a strategic perspective to help you get a fresh start this fall, connect with us for a complimentary advisory call: https://lnkd.in/gEqkQeRX

Unconscious bias training - is there anything new to say about it? It's been seven years since our co-founder, Dr Kristen Liesch, wrote an article that garnered criticism and some degree of infamy. Then titled, "Don't do unconscious bias training," Kristen highlighted the lack of scientific backing and outcome-based evidence for what was a ubiquitous practice and the #1 DEI training menu item.   Since then, DEI training offerings have dramatically increased, and Tidal Equality's equitable innovation method, the Equity Sequence®, is among a handful of new and scientifically-backed interventions.   However, even as early as 2019 we were seeing some organizations no longer had the appetite for implementing the training that (evidence shows) was not producing the equitable outcomes they had been aiming for.   Aligned with our commitment to being a leading resource on equitable innovation, we supported our community with information that could set them on the right path, and answered many of the questions they were bringing us, via content of many kinds. Further, we have worked hard to make sure our content is accessible, bridging the gap between academic research and lay content. As a result, the information has proven to have a long shelf life.    Most recently, Dr. Kristen was quoted in The Week article, "What does unconsciously racist mean?" with an analogy that speaks to one reason why unconscious bias training fails to interrupt biased behaviour:   "[Unconscious bias trainings] are based on the supposition that awareness of personal unconscious biases can result in the mitigation of those biases, a supposition for which there is simply no evidence. Expecting an employee to be able to overcome their biases after an unconscious bias training session has made them aware of them, is akin to expecting them to eat healthily and be active because you’ve held a health and nutrition seminar." https://lnkd.in/gxdsMDaF

The Equity Sequence® reflects several evidence-based practices proven to contribute to behavioral and systems change, including: Perspective-Taking: Perspective-taking involves actively considering the viewpoints and experiences of others, which increases empathy and reduces biases. The Equity Sequence® encourages participants to consider who a decision or design impacts and to listen to the perspectives of those stakeholders, leading to more equitable outcomes. Goal-Setting: Goal-setting is the practice of defining clear, actionable objectives that guide behavior and decision-making. In the Equity Sequence®, participants are encouraged to set specific goals for how they will apply the methodology in their work, which enhances the effectiveness and long-term adoption of equity practices. Engaging "System 2" Thinking: "System 2" thinking refers to deliberate, analytical thought processes that counteract the intuitive, often biased "System 1" thinking. The Equity Sequence® promotes engaging in "System 2" thinking by asking participants to slow down and critically analyze decisions, helping to uncover and address biases in organizational systems. Organizational/Behavioral Design: Organizational and behavioral design focuses on creating environments and processes that naturally guide individuals toward desired behaviors. The Equity Sequence® is designed to be embedded in organizational processes, encouraging transparent and accountable decision-making that aligns with equity goals. Collaborative Learning: Collaborative learning involves working together in groups to solve problems and learn from one another. The Equity Sequence® leverages this by encouraging group discussions and collective problem-solving, which not only enriches the learning experience but also fosters a shared commitment to equity. Learn Equity Sequence® today: https://lnkd.in/g3D2Qr3 #evidencebased #EquitySequence #equitableinnovation #perspectivetaking #goalsetting #system2thinking #orgdesign #behaviordesign #collaborative #learning

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON! (Seats will be limited for this first cohort) The Certified Equity Sequence® Trainer Program is an immersive and comprehensive journey designed to empower participants with the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to become certified Equity Sequence® trainers. Over the course of nine interactive Zoom sessions, participants will receive mentorship from the co-founders of Tidal Equality, support and collaborative learning with a cohort of peers, access a wealth of customizable resources, and engage in practical, hands-on experience leading their own Equity Sequence® training. Beyond the program, participants will join a dynamic community of certified trainers, with ongoing opportunities for connection, collaboration, and professional growth. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of equitable innovation or make a lasting impact within your organization, this program equips you to lead with confidence and purpose. Express your interest here: https://lnkd.in/gUpytvTR

We are so inspired by the commitment and intention of the staff and board at the Mohawk Students' Association (MSA) - Mohawk College - they are leading the way when it comes to centering equitable innovation to the benefit of the many students at that institution. #EquitySequence #equitableinnovation

Last week, Anna Dewar Gully spent a marathon 5 days in Raleigh, North Carolina, connecting with several Tidal Equality clients in the higher education sector.   Like many in higher education in the US, UK and Canada, these folks have faced new challenges over the past several years that make it harder and harder to do their jobs and serve their many stakeholders, not to mention to find purpose and fulfillment.    After discussion and reflection, what we decided to do, ultimately, was to acknowledge the very real challenges AND to turn the focus to 😀 JOY, and how joy, purpose, and impact are interconnected.   And do you know what? It was just what the doctor ordered.   Maybe you could benefit from some of the questions that shaped discussion. You might even want to discuss these questions with your team and see what emerges.   Over the next several newsletter issues (and posts), we will outline a sequence of discussion activities that, combined, will help you create: ⭐ A Joy Map, ⭐ A Purpose Path, ⭐ An Impact Route, and ⭐ The Nexus between the three (your strategic superpower) So, stay tuned, and use the Activity description in the comments below to guide you.   In the meantime, if your team is facing unique challenges and you could use a strategic perspective to help you get a fresh start this fall, connect with us for a complimentary advisory call: https://lnkd.in/gEqkQeRX Not subscribed to our newsletter yet? Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/d73T-fg

We're passionate about equipping movers and shakers in the higher ed sector!

🎉 Why we celebrate when we find a problem, and why you should, too! Hey you!...   What were you just working on?   Before you started scrolling on LinkedIn, or when you were last at your desk...   Were you organizing a presentation? Drafting some comms? Planning a meeting?   Another question...   Was that thing designed with equity in mind?    For those of you familiar with the Equity Sequence® equitable innovation method, you know that is the first of the 5 question framework.   What we know that you might not, is that after watching thousands of people answer that question during their certification training, about 95% of people answer "NO" to that question when it comes to their day-to-day decision-making.   For some people, that's a real 😢 downer, and they get disappointed with themselves. But that's not super helpful, and it's certainly not uplifting. Instead, we like to encourage people to see this 'problem' as an opportunity to design with equity in mind.   The fact is, most things in our world -- from classroom curriculum to grocery store shelving, from pharmaceutical trials to public transport fares -- are NOT designed with equity in mind.    But...   Imagine if they were!!   The status quo sucks and it perpetuates harmful bias, discrimination, and inequality. But that doesn't have to be the story forever. And you and your decision-making certainly don't have to be part of it.    So, next time you find you're NOT designing with equity in mind,... Pause... 🙌 Celebrate that you've found an opportunity for equitable innovation Change course - design with equity in mind Need help learning to make equitable innovation? Get certified here: https://lnkd.in/g3D2Qr3