Implementing diversity initiatives to drive change
Far from being a fad, creating workplaces that are intentionally diverse, mindful of the importance of employees’ identities, and thoughtfully inclusive of a variety of differences is a mandate for 21st century leadership. It is no longer acceptable to lead teams that lack representation of the experiences and communities of their employees and customers. But with so much superficial activity in the marketplace regarding diversity and inclusion (D&I) — and much of it resulting in no real change — how can leaders who truly want to address inclusion-related aspects of workplace culture do so meaningfully and sustainably? We have worked with organizations of all sizes across industries globally, and those effectively implementing D&I initiatives and successfully driving change apply the following best practices.
1 Treat diversity as a strategic and cultural advantage, not a problem to be managed.
The initial framing of D&I often sets organizations on the wrong course. Rather than waiting to respond to a complaint, think proactively, and recognize that a diverse workforce and a truly inclusive environment are strategic advantages. If you knew that customers and employees might respond positively to diversity in gender, race, ability, religious expression, political affiliation, sexual orientation, language, veteran status, and other identities across your public-facing leaders, employees, products, and values, what would you do to avail the organization of that opportunity? How might individuals with different experiences offer productive challenges from alternate perspectives? How could these varied approaches lead to better business solutions? This strategy emphasizes conscious inclusion rather than the management of so-called unconscious bias.
2 Take personal responsibility and accountability for the success of the D&I agenda.
This story is from the August 2019 edition of The BOSS Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2019 edition of The BOSS Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Life in pink
La Vie en Rose, Canada's beloved specialty retailer, is on the verge of completing a seven-year digital transformation. Here's how they did it.
TRAIN YOUR BRAIN FOR LONG TERM HEALTH
WHEN IT COMES TO BRAIN FITNESS, SIMPLE CHANGES CAN YIELD SUPERIOR RESULTS
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
MENU CUSTOMIZATION IS EMPOWERING DINERS AND DRIVING BIG REVENUES
GETTING TO GIVE
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY MERGES EXCELLENCE AND UNIMPEACHABLE IN BUSINESS CARE WITH BLOCKBUSTER RESULTS
LITTLE BY LITTLE
NANOTECHNOLOGY IS IMPROVING MANUFACTURING IN WAYS BIG AND SMALL
The Heart of Hospitality
For procurement and supply chain leader Provista, creating a true community of c customers is the secret to their success
'AS BIG AS THE INTERNET, IF NOT BIGGER'
THE HOSTS OF AI FOR HUMANS ON AI'S POTENTIAL FOR GOOD, BAD, AND DOWNRIGHT SILLY
They Have It Covered
Yong Lee (Lee) and PHP Agency use tech innovations to inject life back into life insurance
SEE FARTHER, MOVE FASTER
BUILDING TRULY AGILE SUPPLY CHAINS
Flavor Fascination
AS A UNIQUE GLOBAL FLAVOR DEVELOPER, CITROMAX BUILDS ITS HERITAGE AND SUCCESS ON TASTE AND A QUEST TO BRING NEW SENSATIONS TO THE TABLE