Real (Estate) Talk: What is Diversity Without Inclusion, Equity, or Justice? "Sit Still and Make Us Look Pretty"

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Excerpt from <a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/yi5dxzq5tz" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">How to Be an Anti-Racist Real Estate Pro</span></a> and featured in my monthly Inman News column on Race and Real Estate as <a href="https://www.inman.com/2021/02/25/real-estate-talk-what-is-diversity-without-inclusion-equity-or-justice/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Part 1</span></a> and <a href="https://www.inman.com/2021/02/25/real-estate-talk-how-to-push-for-accountability-in-our-associations/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Part 2</span></a>. </b> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After George Floyd's recorded and televised murder, I (like many) was appalled, devastated, and disillusioned. However, after a few months, I got wind that my area's local association -- the Atlanta REALTORS® Association -- had started a Diversity & Inclusion Council. <i>Wow!</i> I had this warm feeling that this moment would be perhaps <a href="https://www.insightintodiversity.com/stacey-abrams-nominated-for-nobel-peace-prize/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">another historic turning point in the South</span></a>, particularly among REALTORS®. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes, we know that social diversification (really all forms of change) can be uncomfortable in the early stages. But, <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-diversity-makes-us-smarter/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">cognitive performance, innovation,</span></a> and </span><a href="https://hbr.org/2016/09/diverse-teams-feel-less-comfortable-and-thats-why-they-perform-better" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">bottom-lines improve</span></a><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in the long-run so diversity is not the dirty word some think. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A true culture of diversity really can be the <i>gravy train</i> with the right recipe. But a culture of diversity does not stand alone. It is actually a composite of several essential ingredients. Like your favorite recipe, if something is missing from the diversity recipe, you start to see everyone frowning and pushing away from the table in disgust.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plus, this association is in a </span><a href="https://datausa.io/profile/geo/atlanta-ga#demographics" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">community where the demographics in the majority</span></a><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC)) are not proportionally represented in this association's leadership, making a call for diversity long overdue.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Words of <strike>the Day</strike> Our Lifetime </b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before continuing this story, let's define some key terms according to my book learnings from the <a href="https://alumni.umich.edu/education-gateway/courses/leading-diverse-teams-organizations/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">University of Michigan</span></a> (<i>Go Blue! Hail Yes!</i>). Notably, these terms are in order of importance and effectiveness in creating a culture of diversity that is not sheer pandemonium:</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>1. <a href="https://youtu.be/hiiEeMN7vbQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Growth Mindset</span></a> -- </b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>yes, we get better with time like fine wine here a.k.a. when we transform the meaning of effort and difficulty, people can learn and improve here.</i></b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>2. </b></i></span><i style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/2g88Ju6nkcg" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Inclusion</span></a> -- yes, we are all one of the 'cool kids' here a.k.a. people feel a sense of belonging AND can express themselves here.</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: justify;"></div></i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>3. Diversity -- yes, our doors are open and glass ceilings don't exist here a.k.a. any difference that can make a difference is welcomed here </b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>including but not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, educational attainment, tertiary institution, professional expertise, tenure, age, disability and health status, sexual orientation, family status, career and parental status, employment status (full time, part-time, flexible working), immigration status, faith, veteran status, English proficiency, languages spoken, etc</i></b></span></span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>.</b></i></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>4. <a href="https://youtu.be/HoDmEH47X0s" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Equity</span></a> -- yes, each person can eat as much or as little as needed from our 'buffet' a.k.a. fairness and justice in structures and systems.</b></i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Importantly, notice that diversity is most effective as an organizational objective after a mindset shift from fixed (<i>nothing will change; 'old dogs' can't learn new tricks, why bother?</i>) to growth (<i>we get better with time like a fine wine</i>) has occurred</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Diversity also comes after there is a genuine cultural transformation of belonging that prioritizes everyone being seen and heard as one's authentic self (instead of conformity for the sake of uniformity). In short, diversity before inclusion says, <i>Let the revolving door commence</i> and get ready for a sky-high turnover rate of dynamic members.  </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Last but not least, equity is the anchor of this relay team or the icing on the cake (to stay with my recipe analogy). A willingness to grow, the inclusion of all voices, and a diversity of experiences, identities, and views are prerequisites to catching areas that are lopsided in order to faithfully maximize institutional equity (fairness and justice). It takes this full recipe for diversity to stop being a seemingly ill-advised, dirty word that instead our group's embrace, eat, and hopefully crave seconds.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CyJkhiGcN70/YCLnJGWrlTI/AAAAAAAAbjU/6YNOm_AcGokblXpStmEptHxh5ftbqqQxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/Inverted%2BPyramid%2BOrganizational%2BChart%2B%25282%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CyJkhiGcN70/YCLnJGWrlTI/AAAAAAAAbjU/6YNOm_AcGokblXpStmEptHxh5ftbqqQxgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Inverted%2BPyramid%2BOrganizational%2BChart%2B%25282%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Since this order of lifelong key terms is vital, see if you can catch where it is lacking in the ensuing story.</b></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>How It Started</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the first two meetings, I excitedly signed into Zoom ready to meet with this newly minted council. This diverse group consisted of real estate pros with professional-level experience in and passion for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (J.E.D.I.) work. <i>Yes!,</i> I secretly cheered to myself because it felt like a new day was indeed dawning. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During the initial meetings, I noticed that <a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/yi5dxzq5tz" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">psychological safety</span></a> was lacking due to the tone and <i>power over</i> stance that was taken by some. Conventional wisdom affirms that with a team of volunteers, <i>you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar</i> as my fellow Southerners will coo. Thus, expressing <i>power with</i> in an emotionally intelligent way is critical to maintaining the momentum volunteers crave and thrive from when engaged. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Which of our key terms was lacking or out of order?</i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <div class="powr-poll" id="c24af5c4_1612709486"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=html"></script> <br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being the type of person I am, I spoke up outside of the meeting to not add any further injury to the group's enthusiasm. I was heard by the association's staff and the council chair. <i>Yes!</i> A good faith showing that the quest for belonging and expressing ourselves (inclusion) and fairness (equity) was likely legit.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>How It's Going</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Cue horror movie music</i>. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This month, at the start of Black History Month (which for me meant my hopes were soaring high), the council met again. </span>This time the meeting had more than those that had self-proclaimed a commitment to J.E.D.I. work. This time the meeting included representatives (mostly the vice-chairs, mostly men, and mostly white) from other committees, that did not explicitly share nor deny their enthusiasm with J.E.D.I. efforts. Rather, they shared their attendance was a new responsibility to sit in on this council. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It is important to note here that J.E.D.I. work is most effective -- creating the desired, productive climate -- when it is compelling, </span></span><a href="https://hbr.org/2016/07/why-diversity-programs-fail" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">not mandatory</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I am sure you can likely relate. How do you feel and what are the results when you want to do something versus when you are being told to do it (<i>voluntold</i> is what we call it in the non-profit sector)?</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> The latter scenario usually does not go as well as the former. </span></span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cue horror movie music getting louder</i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">During this Zoom video meeting, genuine concerns were raised surrounding how the association would implement J.E.D.I. initiatives. For example, a point was raised on how saying a Christian prayer at the start of meetings excludes those of other faiths. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">After about 30 - 40 minutes of dialogue, one of the new attendees interjected. <i>How do we know that this is even an issue?</i> expressed <a href="https://youtu.be/rR5zDIjUrfk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">the white male</span></a> regarding diversity and inclusion. Of the other new attendees present, there were several head nods and <i>mmm-hmmms</i> that I noticed. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Did you notice the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/05/health/racial-microaggressions-examples-responses-wellness/index.html," target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">metacommunication</span></a>? Which of our key terms was lacking or out of order?</i></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <div class="powr-poll" id="c24af5c4_1612709486"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=html"></script> <br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let's pause for the cause. Have you ever poured your heart out and shared an experience that either happened to you or someone you know only to have the person that you thought was listening say, <i>Huh? What did you say?</i> How did that make you feel?</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That feeling describes how this meeting at that moment felt to me. It would have been one thing to inquire about the state of the association at the start of our group discussion before anyone had shared their experiences. But to hear the concerns of differing religions, races, <a href="https://hbr.org/2021/02/male-allyship-is-about-paying-attention?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+harvardbusiness+%28HBR.org%29" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">genders</span></a>, and sexual orientations for 30 - 40 minutes and then ask if there is even a problem, undermines our earlier definitions of a growth mindset, diversity, equity, and inclusion. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is how this metacommunication can be narrated: </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This new attendee’s question -- even if unintentionally -- ignored and erased each of the voices that just spoke for 30 - 40 minutes, rendering them invisible. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This new attendee's question revealed he was (is) having a different experience than others and was unable to empathetically step into their shoes after 30 - 40 minutes of dialogue. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This new attendee's question felt dismissive to both the experiences and needs of the council members and the members within this local association for whom the council members were speaking on behalf for 30 - 40 minutes. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This new attendee's question ultimately revealed a life of not having to consciously navigate all of the aforementioned challenges; and, thereby, not having to live a life consumed with their implications or finding methods to mitigate them like those that spoke for 30 - 40 minutes. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All-in-all, this new attendee’s question embodied a living, breathing, real-time example of why this particular local association is not yet (it still can be) a beacon of belonging and why robust J.E.D.I. work is essential.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">To add fuel to this inferno, this association had previously conducted membership focus groups, surveying those that did not feel a sense of belonging among this local association. This information is also available, making such a question -- again, with anecdotes AND research data accessible -- feel like a slap in the face of diversity and inclusion, which this council was designed to champion -- it is literally in the name. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Conversely, how can our association leadership (and perhaps in your case, your realty firm) begin to be J.E.D.I. meta-communicators?</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><blockquote><i style="font-weight: bold;">Growing in diversity and inclusion means that you learn to listen to what people have to say, that are different from you, with the filter, ‘They are speaking from an experience and perspective that is not my own.’ </i>--Terence Lester, Diversity Scholar and Minister</blockquote></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">In spite of all of that, as a trained J.E.D.I. worker, I wanted to tap into my empathy muscles for the new attendees: I understand how if you are currently happily in love, you don't quite get what's going on with those that are not experiencing the same degree of euphoric <i>amore</i>. So I bit the bait. I spoke up and, due to a lack of time, shared just one diminishing and exclusionary experience that I personally had as a Black person and as a woman during one of my times as a committee chair within this particular association. This was at the end of the meeting. I received a few direct messages in the Zoom chat from the original members thanking me for being vulnerable. Then, it was time to hop off. I felt heard but perhaps not empathetically understood based on the number of furrowed brows of some of the new attendees.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Two days later, I heard from the council's chair, a Black woman that had been award by this association just weeks before the Five Star Circle of Service Award (one of its highest honors to bestow). She shared that she had decided to step down (<i>cue the revolving door</i>). <i>What? Why?</i> I cried out as if the knife in the horror movie had been plunged into my unsuspecting and naive back. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To sum it up, she tells me that the new attendees (specifically the one that questioned if a lack of diversity and inclusion are even problems) reported the meeting. From there, the association conveyed to the chairwoman that these meetings were really just to execute the pre-set agenda already decided upon by the board of directors. In essence, this attempt at a discreet rebuke amounted to <i>sit still and make us look pretty</i>.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Which of our key terms was lacking or out of order?</i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /> <div class="powr-poll" id="c24af5c4_1612709486"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=html"></script> </div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">I exhaled deeply while sadness enveloped me, hearing and acknowledging these words. <i>Is this really happening?</i> <i>Is this council just for show?</i> <i>Why do they have us wasting our time IN A PANDEMIC if they don't really want our input? </i>I pondered. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Cue the crescendo of the horror music.</i></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>'It Was All a Dream, I Used to Read Word Up! Magazine'</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the written, association-approved tenets of this council is: <i>to continually review the Association for systemic racism and discrimination issues that hold back, and/or discourage diverse leadership and membership</i>. That is the stated intent but the actual impact is far from this, particularly when this very council's input was being discouraged.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ju4E9o79D4/YB2v5IWzOgI/AAAAAAAAbiI/5oNFFj4apQs9j7dKNBiqcpqZTi-AE7J-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Atlanta-REALTORS%25C2%25AE-Association-Diversity-Inclusion-Council.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="2048" height="344" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ju4E9o79D4/YB2v5IWzOgI/AAAAAAAAbiI/5oNFFj4apQs9j7dKNBiqcpqZTi-AE7J-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h344/Atlanta-REALTORS%25C2%25AE-Association-Diversity-Inclusion-Council.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, how does this review properly happen if the council is told, in so many words, to just <i>do as you're told</i> and <i>to be seen not heard</i>? (Sorry if those statements trigger any of your inner child wounds.) You probably know the answer to that -- it does not happen. Instead, the status quo continues. This is fake inclusion a.k.a. tokenism. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">On its face, the association can say, <i>Look at us. We are so committed to diversity and inclusion that we have a council so named.</i> But if you whip out a magnifying glass, it is glaringly obvious that this diversity and inclusion council as it stands today is in name only -- the real discussions will still be had by only the few in the <i>club</i> that frankly have ignored the depth of marginalized voices, both anecdotally and from research. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b></b></i></span></span><blockquote><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>...there is a wide chasm separating those organizations doing DEI work and those that are actually valuing the DEI work being done. </b></i>--<a href="https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/elevate-diversity-equity-inclusion-work-organization/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Stephanie Creary</span></a>, </span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wharton management professor</span></span></blockquote><span style="font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Continually. Review... Discourage. Diverse. Leadership. </i>Currently, these are just empty words on a webpage.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="white-space: normal;"><i></i></b><blockquote><b style="white-space: normal;"><i>Diversity invites people to the table, but inclusion empowers your voice to be heard while you're at the table. Diversity without inclusion is shallow marketing. I do not wish to sit at any tables that want my skin for marketing but not my voice for truth and perspective.</i></b><span style="white-space: normal;">  --Terence Lester, Diversity Scholar and Minister</span></blockquote><span style="white-space: normal;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was extremely disappointed. I did not knowingly sign up for and will not placate this game of charades. I am calling it out. Because with J.E.D.I. work, we have to cultivate a culture of intervention and accountability. Gone should be the days to <i>go along just to get along </i>(complicity) when the impact is wrong.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>'You Too Can Prevent Forest Fires'</b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This was my experience with only one local REALTOR® association's perfunctory and performative attempt at diversity and inclusion. Thankfully, I have been privileged to be the J.E.D.I. training and coaching partner with many associations and I know this is not the atmosphere everywhere. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><div style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;"><span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">But wait! There is more:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;"><span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></b></i><blockquote><i><b>I just downloaded your ebook (<a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/yi5dxzq5tz" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">How to be an Anti-Racist Real Estate Pro</span></a>) and it is amazing! I… am pretty skeptical of our state and national associations so we are working through different political avenues where there is already agreement that we need to change federal policies as it relates to lending and real estate practices.</b></i> --S. A., Wisconsin Broker/Owner, white woman</blockquote></span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;"><span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Yeesh</i>. So it is not just one local Southern REALTOR® association and white people see it too. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b></b><blockquote><b>Again, this lack of justice, equity, diversity, AND inclusion is not everywhere; but, in truth, it should be nowhere.</b> </blockquote></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As mentioned, there are other organizations that are working for J.E.D.I. efforts where we can focus our energy instead.</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> One example is how <a href="https://www.homelight.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Homelight</span></a> and <a href="https://www.nareb.com/our-history/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">NAREB</span></a> (ICYMI: </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">was formed in 1947 because REALTOR® associations excluded Black real estate pros on the basis of race from joining) have teamed up to diversify the real estate industry. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">One solution to increase homeownership for all underrepresented communities is to diversify the real estate pros that serve the community because </span><a href="https://datausa.io/profile/soc/real-estate-brokers-sales-agents#demographics" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">over 74% of real estate pros are white</span></a> with a whopping <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/diversity-of-realtor%C2%AE-members?g=173096" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">86% of REALTORS® being white</span></a> as of 2020 data. Shockingly, that’s not 50 years ago, friends, making this a disparity of not just a bygone, pre-Fair Housing Act era. For instance, the current exclusionary verbal gymnastics and lingering aftershocks of 20th-century racist policies (like redlining and community covenant restrictions; see the book, <a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/yi5dxzq5tz" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">How to Be an Anti-Racist Pro</span></a> for a deeper dive) have only contributed to the dismal Black homeownership rate disproportionately declining (<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/black-homeownership-has-declined-since-2012-heres-where-black-households-are-most-likely-to-be-homeowners-2020-06-30" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">with less than 50% being homeowners</span></a>). Consequently, since the year 2000, an <a href="https://www.citivelocity.com/citigps/closing-the-racial-inequality-gaps/" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">estimated $218 Billion has been lost</span></a> in our American economy due to such racism that has derailed Black homeownership, meaning <b>this is a problem that impacts us all</b>. To work towards remedying this, <a href="https://www.housingwire.com/articles/new-program-puts-black-real-estate-agents-at-forefront/" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Homelight and NAREB have partnered</span></a> to increase access and opportunity to real estate education and job positions with funding and mentorships for aspiring Black pros. Thus, this is just one example of how our volunteer time can be invested elsewhere.</span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span><span style="font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span><span style="font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Yet, despite alternatives, I am sharing my experience with a local REALTOR® association because it's like going to one of my favorite chain restaurants or hotels. I am not giving up on the entire chain but I definitely want to <i>speak to the manager</i> at this location. Yet, this unfortunate and dated <i>power over</i> stance is from the <i>manager </i>so to speak, </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>ugh</i></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.  </span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">That leaves me with offering to you this as a cautionary tale when intent and actual impact do not align. My hope is to give voice to anyone that feels like, despite all of the seemingly inclusive marketing, diverse voices are actually being stifled at the association (or perhaps you have witnessed this at the realty firm) level </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">STILL IN FREAKIN' 2021</span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">. If you can say, <i>I've seen/felt/experienced this too</i>, then please speak out.</span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><blockquote><i><b>The minute a person whose word means a great deal to others dares to take the open-hearted and courageous way, many others follow. </b></i>-- Marian Anderson, an internationally renowned opera singer that triumphed in the face of exclusion in the U.S. simply for being a Black woman</blockquote></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vG9L1v0D05o/YB61m0KWVqI/AAAAAAAAbik/NxiXuuDC75UrIGHF2RSYwYbPGhgbSbHsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/I%2527t%2527s%2Bnot%2Bwhite%2Bvs%2BBlack%2B%25281%2529.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vG9L1v0D05o/YB61m0KWVqI/AAAAAAAAbik/NxiXuuDC75UrIGHF2RSYwYbPGhgbSbHsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/I%2527t%2527s%2Bnot%2Bwhite%2Bvs%2BBlack%2B%25281%2529.gif" /></a></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-c3ac86e5-7fff-47fb-7fcd-2818f7f30e7b"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Inclusion Index: Let’s Push for Accountability with Metrics</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What gets measured, gets done! One way to speak up is to push for our associations to begin tracking an Inclusion Index (to collect pertinent member data and feelings of belonging and uniqueness within the association) that members can voluntarily elect to complete during the association's annual membership renewal period. With an Inclusion Index, subsequent J.E.D.I. goals can more easily be set, monitored, and achieved since inclusion is a foremost ingredient in our diversity recipe.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For example, I have submitted the following Inclusion Index proposal to the Atlanta REALTORS® Association’s Diversity and Inclusion Council for a vote (fingers crossed):</span></span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px; text-align: left;"><li aria-level="1" style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> At the time of membership renewal, along with updating address information, members can optionally checkmark the different pieces of their identity (such as race, ethnicity, nationality, educational attainment, tertiary institution, professional expertise/designations/certifications, tenure, age, disability and health status, sexual orientation, family status, career and parental status, employment status (full time, part-time, flexible working), immigration status, faith, veteran status, English proficiency, languages spoken, etc.). </span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Additionally, members can rate (likely on a 5-point Likert scale) their feelings on inclusion with statements such as the following (which can be expanded but should not be condensed): </span></span></p></li><p></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="2" style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><span class="gmail_default" style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">​As a member, I ​</span><span class="gmail_default" style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">​am</span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"> valued</span><span class="gmail_default" style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">​</span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for </span><span class="gmail_default" style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">​my</span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"> differences and </span><span class="gmail_default" style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">​my​</span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"> unique contributions</span><span class="gmail_default" style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">​​</span><span style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;">.” </span></span></li></ul><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="2" style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">​"I sense empathy from the association's leadership."​</span></li></ul><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="2" style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I see people like me in association leadership.” </span></li></ul><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="2" style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I feel confident that I can join this association's leadership." </span></li></ul><p></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“<span class="gmail_default">​As a member, I</span> can voice <span class="gmail_default">​my</span> opinions without fear of retribution, penalty, or rejection.” </span></span></p></li><li style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“I have confidence in my association’s grievance procedures.”<br /></span></span></p></li><li style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">​"The association's event and education programming fit my needs<span class="gmail_default">​ (e.g. content, time of day, diversity of speakers, <span id="docs-internal-guid-2067424c-7fff-d742-634a-cbb0472f8a31"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">convenient location, etc. with each subpoint being its own survey question</span></span>)​</span>."</span></span></p></li><li style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"This association<span class="gmail_default">​'s membership​</span> reflects the surrounding community." </span></span></p></li><li style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"This association is making a difference in the surrounding community." </span></span></p></li></ul><p></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"I feel confident that if I were to serve in this association's leadership, my viewpoint would be <span class="gmail_default">​respectfully ​</span>acknowledged and considered." </span></span></p></li></ul><li aria-level="1" style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Importantly, there needs to be an eye-catching instructional statement proceeding the survey that conveys how participation, although optional, can help everyone's interests be better represented and included in the association. We, as J.E.D.I. agents, may even want to campaign during renewal season at our firms and among other REALTORS® that we know to increase survey participation. </span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Finally, let’s make sure our associations publicly publish annually the Inclusion Index along with the J.E.D.I. work that the organization has been doing and any progress made. This is critical for accountability and transparency. </span></span></p></li></ul></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>The difference-maker (if we have learned anything from the power of Amazon and Yelp reviews) is us speaking up and out instead of resigning ourselves to </span><i>sitting still so they </i></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-- those that outwardly vie for diversity but have not yet committed to the full recipe --</span></span><i style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"> look pretty</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Let's be clear, it is not about us against them but neither is it about abandoning ourselves for the sake of blind loyalty and compliance at our own expense. These associations are for the members -- all members including the underrepresented -- so every voice means a great deal. Speaking up to seek accountability for authentic justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion is what this moment requires from us all. It's everybody vs. racism/exclusion/marginalization.</span></span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Sound off -</b> I would love to hear from you!  Give me a shout on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LearnWithDrLee" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Facebook</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/learnwithdrlee" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instagram</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/leedavenport8?sub_confirmation=1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YouTube</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or by visiting </span><a href="http://www.learnwithdrlee.com/" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LearnWithDrLee.com</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.  </span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />Download today your complimentary (aka NO FEE but for a limited time so hurry) copy of my new book, <a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/luem6y7zox" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">How to Be an Anti-Racist Real Estate Pro</span></b></a>. </span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Want more of the best practices of our nation's top producers? Grab your copy of the short read, <b><span><a href="http://www.learnwithlee.realtor/p/resources.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Profit with Your Personality</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and, the classic, 5-star rated workbook, </span><a href="http://amzn.com/1508652325" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plan to Win</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, to transform their real estate sales game plan. Or, get your "training on" with these <a href="http://vimeo.com/ondemand/learnwithdrlee" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">on-demand classes</span></b></a>. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here's to your success! #LearnWithDrLee</span></span></div>

Real (Estate) Talk: What is Diversity Without Inclusion, Equity, or Justice? "Sit Still and Make Us Look Pretty"

Excerpt from How to Be an Anti-Racist Real Estate Pro and featured in my monthly Inman News column on Race and Real Estate as Part 1 and P...

'Why do I need an agent?' 5 comebacks that prove your value and 3 ways to tap into your value

<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ0HioAbEqQ/YDE1LBkIxrI/AAAAAAAAbnw/3M1ENpK9UtUb8efdjmbLQVldPUTohdpbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/hired-648451_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ0HioAbEqQ/YDE1LBkIxrI/AAAAAAAAbnw/3M1ENpK9UtUb8efdjmbLQVldPUTohdpbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/hired-648451_1280.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">As a real estate agent, you've likely had clients question your value, with many thinking they can handle the complexities of buying and selling on their own. Here are a few ways compiled by <a href="https://www.inman.com/2021/02/19/why-do-i-need-an-agent-5-comebacks-that-prove-your-value/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Inman News</span></a> to illustrate just how much YOU bring to the table including my take on how do-it-yourself real estate is like building wobbly Ikea furniture. <i>Yeesh!</i></span><div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.inman.com/2021/02/19/why-do-i-need-an-agent-5-comebacks-that-prove-your-value/" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1970" height="354" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LN6zWXlC-us/YDEwqO_EocI/AAAAAAAAbnY/PbVj9saQMHEK_9NytcY0Y8LdqX_ctZDggCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h354/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-02-20%2Bat%2B10.53.40%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">On a serious note, if you have been in one of my Listing Leader workshops, then you know it is important to quantify our value. If prospective clients have had a poor experience with an agent or got wind of a poor experience that a friend or family member had (that you likely have NO knowledge), then you will likely be judged by that standard. Thus, it is important to set expectations of what you do (that is quite different from the rest). The infographic below is a short summary but <a href="https://www.learnwithlee.realtor/2017/12/how-to-answer-is-your-commission.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">click here for more details</span></a>. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BqFx04b0ayA/YDEyBsxiJvI/AAAAAAAAbnk/_Z9g0CXrXj0povvGm6rJiiL2KE67CldaACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/TapIntoYourValueEasilgemhousingacct.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BqFx04b0ayA/YDEyBsxiJvI/AAAAAAAAbnk/_Z9g0CXrXj0povvGm6rJiiL2KE67CldaACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/TapIntoYourValueEasilgemhousingacct.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Sound off -</b> I would love to hear from you!  Give me a shout on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LearnWithDrLee" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Facebook</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/learnwithdrlee" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instagram</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/leedavenport8?sub_confirmation=1" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YouTube</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or by visiting </span><a href="http://www.learnwithdrlee.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LearnWithDrLee.com</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.  </span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />Download today your complimentary (aka NO FEE but for a limited time so hurry) copy of my new book, <a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/luem6y7zox" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">How to Be an Anti-Racist Real Estate Pro</span></b></a>. </span><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Want more of the best practices of our nation's top producers? Grab your copy of the short read, <b><span><a href="http://www.learnwithlee.realtor/p/resources.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Profit with Your Personality</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and, the classic, 5-star rated workbook, </span><a href="http://amzn.com/1508652325" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plan to Win</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, to transform their real estate sales game plan. Or, get your "training on" with these <a href="http://vimeo.com/ondemand/learnwithdrlee" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">on-demand classes</span></b></a>. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here's to your success! #LearnWithDrLee</span></div></div></div></div>

tap into value

'Why do I need an agent?' 5 comebacks that prove your value and 3 ways to tap into your value

As a real estate agent, you've likely had clients question your value, with many thinking they can handle the complexities of buying and...

Real (Estate) Talk: How to Be an Anti-Racist Real Estate Pro

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">An excerpt from </span><span><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/yi5dxzq5tz" style="background-color: #fcff01;" target="_blank">How to Be an Anti-Racist Real Estate Pro</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6fa8dc;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">and featured in my monthly Inman News column on</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="https://www.inman.com/2021/02/10/real-estate-talk-how-to-be-an-antiracist-real-estate-pro/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Race & Real Estate</span></a>.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/yi5dxzq5tz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loji90L0IqA/YCgqkMSvqvI/AAAAAAAAbls/1aHPXVEAwvMuAaAk3dFjArMXYw4UqOptgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/featuring%2Bproducts%2Bunder%2B%252420%2521%2B%25288%2529.gif" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></div>

anti-racist real estate pro

Real (Estate) Talk: How to Be an Anti-Racist Real Estate Pro

An excerpt from How to Be an Anti-Racist Real Estate Pro and featured in my monthly Inman News column on Race & Real Estate .

My Favorite Tech Things: RE Lead Generation Tools for 2021

<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83_ZnObPCqw/YBRpOwnSEeI/AAAAAAAAbfI/BQg-knY7nWEZKAX0qaNqS6xRcdE5mS13ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/covid-19-5323154_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83_ZnObPCqw/YBRpOwnSEeI/AAAAAAAAbfI/BQg-knY7nWEZKAX0qaNqS6xRcdE5mS13ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h268/covid-19-5323154_640.jpg" width="400"></a></div><br><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Have you wondered, </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>How can I generate leads while social distancing? </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span></span></div>

lead generation ideas, tech

My Favorite Tech Things: RE Lead Generation Tools for 2021

Have you wondered,  How can I generate leads while social distancing? 

J.E.D.I. Reality Check: Does it feel safe at your firm or association (particularly for people of color)?

<p style="text-align: center;">An excerpt from, How to Be an <a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/luem6y7zox" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Anti-Racist Real Estate Pro</span></a> and featured in <a href="https://magazine.realtor/for-brokers/network/article/2021/02/does-it-feel-safe-at-your-firm-for-people-of-color" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">REALTOR® Magazine</span></a>.    </p><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">How It Started</span></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Organizational Goal:</span></i></div><span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We want more ____ represented here (fill in the blank with an underrepresented group).</span></div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><span><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">VS.</div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">How It's Going</span></b></div></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Organizational Reality:</span></i></div><span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We don't understand why there aren't more ____ (fill in the blank with that same underrepresented group).</span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akQ7Sorb3vA/YBGUcuoSVYI/AAAAAAAAbe0/6eCVfWF8PIURgDAwclIlbPPSjV68klEQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/team-5614157_1920.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akQ7Sorb3vA/YBGUcuoSVYI/AAAAAAAAbe0/6eCVfWF8PIURgDAwclIlbPPSjV68klEQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/team-5614157_1920.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />More representation of underrepresented groups (a.k.a. justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion -- J.E.D.I.  -- at their finest) is a noble assertion and corporate goal. However, sometimes the closer we are to the 'norm' (<i><b>this is how we have always done it</b></i>), the less likely we will see the aspects of our environment that may feel unwelcoming to the very demographics that we want to reach. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In regards specifically, to truly opening your organization's arms to BIPOC,  psychological safety is a must! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"<a href="https://www.ultimatesoftware.com/PR/Press-Release/New-National-Study-Uncovers-Notable-Shift-in-Factors-Influencing-Employee-Job-Satisfaction-Engagement"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Six out of 10 employees</span></a> said that a lack of emotional safety at work would make them quit a job immediately". </i></b></span><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Did you catch that? </span><span>Sixty percent of all American (not just BIPOC) workers surveyed across generations and in all industries would quit</span><i> immediately.</i><span> I can imagine this rate increases among volunteers. Thus, being a truly safe space can likely improve your organization's attrition rate and decrease the costs associated with a revolving door.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Before you tune me out because you believe your environment is a safe space for all, including people of color, please let me explain.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Psychological safety as adapted from <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6HE82uA6tARX60EYpt4K5f?si=dOxzi9cWTTGM3HG1xcevbQ&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A1BuEz77ja6ZMskoj6oOdHk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Rory Rowland</span></a> breaks down to:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-size: large;">1. Do I feel included or are there conversations that I have not been invited to participate?  Or, when I do offer input, do I feel like my view is trivialized, mocked, or outright ignored?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2. Do I feel safe to learn (aka not be perfect and allowed to go through iterations of development)?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3. Do I feel safe to contribute or have I been/will I be criticized, embarrassed, or marginalized?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4. Do I feel safe to challenge the status quo or do I get the impression <i>that I need to stay in my lane</i> or <i>that it's not broken so don't try to fix it</i>?</span></div></blockquote><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If any one of these safe conditions is lacking among your team, firm, or association, although this is not the movie Apollo 13, I dare say, <i><b>Houston, we have a problem</b></i>. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Case in point: Among the Black <a href="https://www.catalyst.org/research/overcoming-conversation-roadblocks-infographic" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">women</span></a> I know both in and outside the world of real estate, we often notice the opposite of psychological safety when we speak out or up. From <i>we have to laugh about it so we don't cry</i> examples late-night host and comedienne Amber Ruffin and her sister Lacey Lamar share in their <a href="https://bookshop.org/books/you-ll-never-believe-what-happened-to-lacey-crazy-stories-about-racism/9781538719367" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="https://www.kizzysbooksandmore.com/book/9781538719367"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">book</span></a> to the following</span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> illustration -- which has empirical data to substantiate it from <a href="https://coco-net.org/problem-woman-colour-nonprofit-organizations/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">COCo</span></a> (and was sent to me by a Black executive about <b>her current</b> experience) -- a lack of psychological safety is the straw that breaks diversity's back:</span></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="621" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Dgl035pzoM/YBGGraA_18I/AAAAAAAAbeo/B0h2XHpYB38naLep8zyagia4pDOn6weXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w488-h640/IMG_4120.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="488" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Source: <a href="https://coco-net.org/problem-woman-colour-nonprofit-organizations/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">https://coco-net.org/problem-woman-colour-nonprofit-organizations/ </span></a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Dgl035pzoM/YBGGraA_18I/AAAAAAAAbeo/B0h2XHpYB38naLep8zyagia4pDOn6weXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s815/IMG_4120.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>You may be thinking, <i><b>we are nowhere near as bad as Lacey's infuriating stories or COCo's illustration</b></i></span><span>. But, if you have not had a neutral third-party interview with your crew, you likely do not know the full story. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/luem6y7zox" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oqz-yPymTXU/YDE42PH4qaI/AAAAAAAAbn8/ov3EaVjPgDI8nWW838GwpavIlWO7GEQsgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/BookBrushImage-2021-1-22-14-4345.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>If you are truly committed to J.E.D.I. work and more assertively being an </span><b>Anti-Racist Real Estate Pro</b><span> (download a complimentary copy of the e-book, </span><a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/luem6y7zox" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">How to Be an Anti-Racist Real Estate Pro</span></a><span> to learn more), I encourage you to have an unaffiliated third-party do the following exercise that I do with organizations that have felt this disconnection between the goals and reality of J.E.D.I. efforts:</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">As a coach/consultant (a.k.a. an objective third-party not part of the group), I like to first ask <b>all leaders separately</b> (to prevent groupthink):</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+What does it mean to you for this to be a safe space?</span></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+What have you noticed about this environment?</span></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+Are there any participants that you believe may feel uninvited or unsafe to learn, contribute or challenge the status quo? Why or why not?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+How have you personally contributed to this being a safe space?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+What could be improved upon to promote psychological safety for all participants?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+Do you feel included or are there conversations that you have not been invited to participate? Or, when you do offer input, do you feel like your view is trivialized or outright ignored? If you have felt unincluded, please share at least one instance.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+Do you feel safe to learn (aka not be perfect and allowed to go through iterations of development)? If you have this lack of safety, please share at least one instance.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+Do you feel safe to contribute or have you been/will you be criticized, embarrassed, or marginalized? If you have felt this lack of safety, please share at least one instance.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>+Do you feel safe to challenge the status quo or do you get the impression </span><i>that I need to stay in my lane</i><span> or </span><i>that it's not broken so don't try to fix it</i><span>? If you have this lack of safety, please share at least one instance.</span></span></div></blockquote><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Then, I ask <b>individual participants</b>, particularly those with one foot out the door as evidenced by either their silence or physical absence:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+What does it mean to you for this to be a safe space? </span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+What have you noticed about this environment? </span></div></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+Of the leadership team, who has personally contributed to this being a safe space? What did that person(s) do to create a safe space?</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+Do you feel included or are there conversations that you have not been invited to participate? Or, when you do offer input, do you feel like your view is trivialized or outright ignored? If you have felt unincluded, please share at least one instance.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+Do you feel safe to learn (aka not be perfect and allowed to go through iterations of development)? If you feel unsafe learning, please share at least one instance.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+Do you feel safe to contribute or have you been/will you be criticized, embarrassed, or marginalized? If you feel unsafe contributing, please share at least one instance.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>+Do you feel safe to challenge the status quo or do you get the impression </span><i>that I need to stay in my lane</i><span> or </span><i>that it's not broken so don't try to fix it</i><span>? If you feel unsafe challenging the status quo, please share at least one instance.</span></span></div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">+What could be improved upon by the leadership (and even the team as a whole) to promote psychological safety?</span></div></div></blockquote><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Next, without revealing any identities, I share the results with the team in a psychologically safe way (a.k.a. I don't use the answers as weapons). This is usually a revelatory moment for leadership.  </span>Typically, in instances when a J.E.D.I.-pursuant firm or association is <i><b>inadvertently</b></i> repelling people, those in leadership are not aware of how they (and the organization) show up to those they lead (or hope to attract) nor of the psychological needs of those they lead (or hope to attract). Such organizations may desire to do better but may not understand the need to provide an additional non-punitive nor retaliatory space to be heard via humble and appreciative inquiries of ALL from a psychologically safe third party... that is until now.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7TZgpOaIAyo/YBYcKMlKl_I/AAAAAAAAbf4/DuOpj5VtI_Ekg35DVYx_5bc5xPTK2I-0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/JEDI%2BReality%2BCheck%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7TZgpOaIAyo/YBYcKMlKl_I/AAAAAAAAbf4/DuOpj5VtI_Ekg35DVYx_5bc5xPTK2I-0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/JEDI%2BReality%2BCheck%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><i style="font-weight: bold;">Houston, we have found the problem! </i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>After unpacking the results, I ask the whole group to brainstorm the following questions (adapted from my Appreciative Inquiry module cohort instructor, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dietra-hawkins-8b8470a" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Dr. Dietra Hawkins,</span></a> Yale University Professor); and, I give </span>everyone present an opportunity to be heard:</span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Define|Design|Dream: What intiatives would have us ALL 'win' in our quest to demonstrate a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive enviroment? As REALTORS®, we understand that the best negotiations are a win-win for all parties (instead of lopsided victories) and that especially applies in matters of J.E.D.I. work.</span></div></div></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span><span> </span></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>2. Discovery|Destiny:</span></span> What can we carry forward that has worked well? By salvaging effective traditions, we limit displacement. Thus, this process should not feel as disruptive and invasive to those that may be tempted to resist a corporate culture expansion. </span></div></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Discovery|Destiny: What is the smallest/simplest/easiest change that could make the biggest impact that we can implement immediately? Tabling something for months or years because it is such a massive undertaking should be avoided at all costs.</span></div></blockquote><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>By leadership inquisitively, energetically, collaboratively, humbly, and daily working towards a truly 'safe space', justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion can more readily become the natural and appealing byproducts</span><span>.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Sound off -</b> I would love to hear from you!  Give me a shout on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LearnWithDrLee" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Facebook</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/learnwithdrlee" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instagram</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/leedavenport8?sub_confirmation=1" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YouTube</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or by visiting </span><a href="http://www.learnwithdrlee.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LearnWithDrLee.com</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.  </span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Want more of the best practices of our nation's top producers? Grab your copy of the short read, <b><span><a href="http://www.learnwithlee.realtor/p/resources.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Profit with Your Personality</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and, the classic, 5-star rated workbook, </span><a href="http://amzn.com/1508652325" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plan to Win</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, to transform their real estate sales game plan. Or, get your "training on" with these <a href="http://vimeo.com/ondemand/learnwithdrlee" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">on-demand classes</span></b></a>. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here's to your success! #LearnWithDrLee</span></div>

anti-racist real estate pro, association growth, diversity, realty firm selection, slideshow-v1

J.E.D.I. Reality Check: Does it feel safe at your firm or association (particularly for people of color)?

An excerpt from, How to Be an Anti-Racist Real Estate Pro  and featured in REALTOR® Magazine .     How It Started Organizational Goal: We wa...

Real (Estate) Talk: Canceling Housing 'Discrimination'

<div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">As featured in my monthly <a href="https://www.inman.com/2021/01/18/real-estate-talk-lets-cancel-the-word-discrimination/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Inman News column</span></a>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6hJIIgyhtf4/X5NRORVyYoI/AAAAAAAAbPE/_msCIjdSowolmLiAtj1SbkKyek6ggZY9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/cancellation-4944727_1920.jpg" style="font-size: x-large; font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6hJIIgyhtf4/X5NRORVyYoI/AAAAAAAAbPE/_msCIjdSowolmLiAtj1SbkKyek6ggZY9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/cancellation-4944727_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;">Discrimination.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Does that word make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and your brows furrow?</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Me too. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Perhaps you do not want to suffer from it. Or, maybe you do not want to be accused of it.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And, as I watched the <a href="https://www.pix11.com/news/created-equal/research-shows-housing-discrimination-from-realtors" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">New York State Senate hearing</span></a> that subpoenaed some of the real estate agents named in the <a href="https://projects.newsday.com/long-island/real-estate-agents-investigation/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">2019 Newsday Long Island housing exposè</span></a>, I realized that we need to cancel the use of the word, 'discrimination'. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stay with me. This is not another 'Cancel Culture' piece in that I am not seeking to cancel <i><b>people</b></i> (who often need and can be restored). Rather, we can put an end to a word, 'discrimination' that, due to its defensive connotations, actually seeks to divide and further alienate rather than advocate for and support non-discriminatory (a.k.a. <i>FAIR</i>) housing.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Again, think about what the word, 'discrimination' evokes in you. Likely, fight, flight, freeze, and maybe fawn -- defense mechanisms -- surface for you. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And, there lies the problem. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our defensives, and maybe also 'our dukes', are up. Most of us that are married or dating know that taking a defensive posture in a moment when someone feels slighted further damages the relationship as opposed to repairing it. And, like most romantic relationships, it is far more effective and conciliatory to speak in the positive of what we desire (even require) than in the negative of what is not happening. Similarly, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I believe this philosophy may help to serve more protected classes, really all people, in their pursuit of the American dream of homeownership.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">So what is the positive replacement proposed?</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Instead of <b>'Did you <i>discriminate</i>?</b>' we may see better progress with <b>'How specifically are you treating everyone the <i>same</i>?'</b> Then, we as real estate professionals can pull back the curtain of our systems, creating deep self-evaluation and reflection. If our systems unveil that we are consistent in doing the same thing, the same way for every single client, kudos -- we can pass 'Go'. However, if we see that our systems are sporadic, at best, and non-existent, at worst, then we have just willingly opened our own eyes to our mishandling of fair housing, whether unintentionally or not. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">That feels better.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Newsday expose did bring to light that we still have growing to do when it comes to fair housing. But real (estate) talk, it was despicable how Newsday did it. At the resultant September 2020 hearing, the NY state senators were shocked that no disciplinary actions had been taken against the agents called out in the exposè. Whereas, I was not shocked because Newsday put those agents, their brokers, and their firms on the worst type of defense (public humiliation), which is evident in the circular conversations and verbal gymnastics displayed at the hearing (I thought I was watching a new Olympic event, <i>geez!</i>). </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">One agent even testified how her reputation, and really her life, had unraveled in the aftermath. S</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">he seemed depressed and conceivably suicidal, which, sadly, just cannot be the end result that we are seeking as a civilized society</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">. There is something wrong with trying to correct one societal ill or wrong by inflicting another/more.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I teach workshops on upholding fair housing in our marketing (particularly on social media), I am quick to say that we should help each other too. I do not believe <i><b>some</b></i> of us are even aware that we are not treating everyone the same. Those of us in the 'some' group likely are on 'autopilot' because of how we have been socialized in a country that has historically and legally been intolerant of the 'other' (see '<a href="https://www.learnwithlee.realtor/2020/07/there-goes-neighborhood-history-of-race.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">There Goes the Neighborhood: The history of race and U.S. homeownership</span></a>). </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thus, when we see a colleague post something that treads the fair housing line, we absolutely should say something to that colleague first (before they are 'called on the carpet' because it may be simply an awareness gaffe). You may not want to teach a workshop (and you do not have to, <i>ha!</i>) but so much of this is a 'we need better, ongoing fair housing education' issue that our daily interactions as professionals are prime teachable moments. Let’s use them to help each other because if the tables are turned to put the hidden cameras on us, we (that truly have no ill intent) would want someone to gently educate us on how we can do better and stay out of 'hot water'.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Case in point, <a href="https://www.pix11.com/news/created-equal/research-shows-housing-discrimination-from-realtors" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">it was reported </span></a>that none of the agents testifying could define 'steering'. Yes, that is a real estate pre-license class basic but many of us are many, many, <i>many</i> moons removed from those classes. Again, we need better ongoing fair housing education as a collective.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">Should we have penalties? Of course.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Is ignorance of the law an excuse? Of course not.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Should we distinguish between intentional and unintentional transgressions along with explicit and subtle disparate acts and outcomes verse pro-fair housing acts and outcomes? Absolutely.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Does the lack of intentionality absolve one from breaking the law? No way.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Yet, we do more for clients, us (as their agents), and our industry as a whole if the focus becomes improving awareness with questions like:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><blockquote><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. How specifically are we treating every single client the <i>same</i> every single time?</b></span></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. How specifically can we implement better systems and routines to ensure we treat every client the <i>same</i>, every single time?</b></span></div></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><blockquote><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. How specifically can we make this a community of professionals all working towards these ends of treating every client the <i>same</i> every single time? </b><i>(Instead of taking the individualistic, 'every woman for herself', approach that we heard in the NY state senate hearings.)</i></span></div></blockquote><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a collective that has an awareness dilemma about what it looks like to treat clients the <i><b>same</b></i>, particularly in these times, we can actively take a posture of lifelong learners interested in giving every single client the highest quality of service every single time. The byproduct becomes fair housing for all and thriving longevity as agents.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="font-family: Times; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unfortunately, however, duality in our individual awareness of and action to promote the <i><b>same</b></i> treatment does exist. </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make no mistake -- there is still a remnant of real estate licensees that revel in racism (like this </span><a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale-breaking/2020/10/27/video-shows-scottsdale-man-telling-black-man-no-n-word-zone/6045475002/" style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Arizona Sotheby's agent</span></a><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">). Even for them (the aware, self-proclaimed racists), calling it 'discrimination' is still not appropriate because it minimizes the actual laws being broken. Thus, whether it is overlooked or intentional, 'discrimination' just does not fit where this moment in 2020 is taking us because it either packs too much of a 'punch' or not enough. Language has the power to unite or divide, develop or destroy so let's choose our words deliberately to advance the true spirit of fair housing.</span></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Sound off -</b> I would love to hear from you!  Give me a shout on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LearnWithDrLee" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Facebook</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/learnwithdrlee" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instagram</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/leedavenport8?sub_confirmation=1" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YouTube</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or by visiting </span><a href="http://www.learnwithdrlee.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LearnWithDrLee.com</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.  </span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Want more of the best practices of our nation's top producers? Grab your copy of the short read, <b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.learnwithlee.realtor/p/resources.html" target="_blank">Profit with Your Personality</a> </span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and, the classic, 5-star rated workbook, </span><a href="http://amzn.com/1508652325" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plan to Win</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, to transform their real estate sales game plan. Or, get your "training on" with these <a href="http://vimeo.com/ondemand/learnwithdrlee" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">on-demand classes</span></b></a>. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here's to your success! #LearnWithDrLee</span>

cancel culture, fair housing

Real (Estate) Talk: Canceling Housing 'Discrimination'

As featured in my monthly Inman News column . Discrimination. Does that word make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and your brow...