Questions That Can Change Everything About Inclusion

Not too long ago, I found myself in a room full of people from all walks of life—different races, sexual orientations, and career paths. The topic? Diversity and inclusion. It had all the potential to be a powerful conversation, but people were holding back.

Then the facilitator dropped a game-changer: “When was the last time you felt truly included?”

The room shifted. One by one, people shared stories—moments of belonging and the pain of feeling invisible. That single question opened up a raw, honest dialogue that left us all better for it.

And that’s the magic of asking the right questions. These aren’t checklist conversations or one-off workshops. They’re bridges giving people the space to share, be seen, and drive real change. Yeah, they might feel uncomfortable, but discomfort is where growth happens.

Why Questions Matter More Than Answers

While the term diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), may be on the way out, the desire to build a team where everyone is accepted and has access to the same opportunities, is still very important in today’s business world. And believe it or not,  REAL dialogue is the secret sauce. It’s what brings people together, helps uncover blind spots, and creates workplaces where everyone feels like they belong.

Questions are powerful because they challenge assumptions, spotlight biases, and give us a chance to truly connect. I’ll never forget a pivotal moment when someone asked me, “How often do you think about the voices that aren’t in the room?” That question hit hard and made me rethink everything from hiring practices to whose perspectives were being left out.

The right questions spark growth, deepen trust, and create the kind of workplace culture where everyone feels valued.

Digging Deeper: Key Questions to Ask

If we want to see real change, we’ve got to ask better questions. Here are a few themes and examples to get started:

Race and Privilege

• Why is it so hard to talk about race?
• What does privilege mean to you, and how does it show up in your life?

These questions help us confront the discomfort around race and privilege—not to feel guilty but to gain awareness and act.

Bias and Assumptions

• How do your biases shape the way you interact with others?
• When was the last time you challenged a stereotype?

We all have biases, but owning them is the first step toward real change.

Equity vs. Equality

• What does fairness look like in your workplace?
• Can you think of a time when equality wasn’t enough?

Equality gives everyone the same thing. Equity ensures everyone gets what they need. These questions spotlight the gaps we need to address.

Inclusion and Belonging

• When have you felt excluded, and what did you learn from it?
• What steps do you take to make others feel they belong?

Belonging turns diversity into connection. It’s the glue that holds an inclusive culture together.

Creating Safe Spaces for Tough Conversations

If you want these dialogues to work, the vibe matters. It’s important to first set boundaries and ground rules for respect and confidentiality. Participants must be committed to active listening, staying curious instead of getting defensive and owning their missteps, because they are inevitable.

The Power of Asking “Why”

In one workplace, a simple question, “How often do you think about your race?” sparked a transformative team discussion. It led to revamped policies, new hiring practices, and better retention of underrepresented employees.

The key isn’t having all the answers. It’s having the courage to ask, listen, and grow. These conversations don’t solve everything overnight, but they plant seeds for change. So, let’s start asking the tough questions. You never know whose life or workplace you might change in the process.

Written by Randi Bryant.
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