PITFALL
SCIENTIFIC BASIS
WARNING SIGNS
SOLUTIONS
Virtue Signaling Displaying inclusive values without real change Blind Spot Bias Failing to recognize your own unconscious biases
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High DEI scores but negative minority experiences
Examine your privileges and blind spots Use anonymous surveys to assess perceived inclusion Engage external partners who challenge your assumptions Provide training on bias, privilege and intersectionality RACI chart: who consults, decides, executes Time-limited consultation period Explain why some voices carry more weight than others Measure who you consult (gender, level, function) Regularly change advisors Actively solicit divergent perspectives Measure which voices influenced your decisions Consult to inform, not to avoid
1. PERFORMATIVE CONSIDERATION
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Surprised by feedback on microaggressions Inclusive policies but no cultural change You talk about inclusion, but your close circle remains homogeneous Endless consultation without ever deciding “I’m listening to the team” to avoid making a call Decisions constantly postponed Team frustrated by lack of direction You always consult the same people Your “trusted circle” is homogeneous You act only on certain suggestions Divergent voices are “heard” but not integrated You feel emotionally exhausted You take on all the problems yourself You can no longer distinguish between urgency and importance You neglect your own well-being
Pitfalls to avoid:
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Choice paradox Too many voices lead to inability to decide. Using “listening” to avoid decisions Avoidance of responsibility Using “listening” to avoid making difficult decisions Ingroup bias Favoring those who look like us Homophily Surrounding with similar people
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2. PARALYSIS BY CONSIDERATION
Consideration
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3. SELECTIVE MORAL CIRCLE
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Compassion fatigue Exhaustion from excessive empathy Negativity bias Excessive focus on problems
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4. EMPATHY WITHOUT BORDERS
Understand without absorbing (cognitive empathy)
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Define your responsibility vs team’s
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Non-negotiable recovery time
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Share the role of emotional support
16 © 2026 JONATHAN NORMAND. THIS WORK IS LICENSED UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION NONCOMMERCIAL 4.0 INTERNATIONAL LICENSE (CC BY-NC 4.0)
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