The Foreign Service Journal, September 2020

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2020 29 sessions can be hosted by bureaus, offices or employee groups. Most recently, dozens of Open Conversations across the depart- ment have covered the sensitive topic of race and the professional and personal experiences of Black employees and persons of color. Topics covered previously in Open Conversations include “Employment Labels at State,” “I Want to Speak to a Real Ameri- can” and “Managing Generational Differences.” Everyone Has a Role to Play Diversity and inclusion enhance the performance and effectiveness of organizations. The State Department can reap the proven benefits of diversity and inclusion by maximizing employee and team performance through inclusive practices. Imagine this—tackling global challenges and advancing U.S. interests with stronger institutional cohesiveness, more nuanced decision-making and innovative approaches to diplomacy. Embracing diversity and practicing inclusion is a collective responsibility for each and every member of the State Depart- ment family—from the newest intern and line manager to chiefs of mission overseas and the department’s senior leadership. This not only enhances our performance, but it also reflects the best of our diverse workforce. Change is made possible only by the actions we each choose to take at work every day. Inclusion is the key to unlocking the power of diversity. Let’s turn the key together, one decision and one action at a time. n Grounded in clear, actionable milestones and performance indicators, the 2020 DISP aims to focus the department’s efforts, ensure accountability, and measure outcomes to inform future initiatives.