Diversity and Inclusivity (D&I) within businesses is an issue that has exploded over the past few years and is key for an organisation’s success.
Diversity as an issue has been tussled with at various points. For example, allowing women to enter what was traditionally considered to be a male dominated industry. Or accepting the value of having people of different ethnicities or cultural backgrounds.
Within organisations, for a long time, diversity simply meant having a team where there was token representation by minority groups. This was enough to be seen as progressive.
That is no longer the case.
In recent years the discussion has moved on from gender or race representation to what that actually means as well as other equality topics. For example, equal pay, generations in the workforce, intersectionality, sexuality, religion, and more.
How has inclusivity changed over the years?
One of the key issues for leaders is that the level of awareness and focus on this issue has dramatically changed.
In the past 5 years, D&I has become part of everyone’s toolkit. Now, it’s not just about Diversity in terms of awareness and indifference, but organisations and individuals also have to consider on practical terms the question of how to make it work.
It’s no longer as simple as hiring people of different backgrounds and cultures and lived experiences, but considering the following question: “How do I encourage different people and create an environment where people can belong and thrive?”
What can leaders do?
Leaders need to consider issues from the simple to the complex.
Simple issues are finding a level of empathy and understanding. This can be done by getting to know people more, by moving away from profession and background, being open about yours and sharing. This helps to open dialogue and helps create an understanding of dynamics and what people need to thrive within the workplace.
Complicated issues need to be considered more strategically. Study Management Courses online from the World’s top Universities. Earn Masters, Executive PGP, or Advanced Certificate Programs to fast-track your career.
How do you make it work on a personal level, as a leader?
- Be mindful about meetings. Invite comments and questions and contributions regardless of level/demographics of the people present. Try not to prioritise one person over another simply because of rank. A CEO’s opinion is no more important than an entry level analyst’s.
- Be aware of voices. Keep an eye out for who’s speaking and who is remaining silent.
- Be intentional about actively sponsoring and supporting. Creating opportunities for individuals to have an opportunity to present and give them impact. Be aware of who is getting those opportunities
How do you make it work organisationally?
- Be mindful of the tone from the top. Consider if your leaders are leading with the right tone.
- Ensure that they are following that up with right behaviour, calling out behaviour that is inappropriate.
- Be conscious and aware of personal biases and prior opportunities of people. Make sure that you are not just listening to the loudest voice, but considering if everyone has had the same access to opportunities.
How can a modern leader make an impact in the D&I practices of their workplace?
- Intervene on people’s behalf. Have the conversations that allow you to get to the root of any situation, and speak up when the people you lead can not.
- Be aware of not sounding accusatory. Sometimes people go into scenarios with good intentions but misstep.
- Start from a position of good intention, which means giving anyone an equal chance to speak and be heard.
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What are 3 pitfalls for a modern leader to be aware of?
- Do not go into a situation with the assumption that you are right. By doing so, you will be blind to bias. A good place to start is by acknowledging privilege, and lack of privilege.
- It is not okay to ignore what’s going on, and be blind to learning. Points of view in any situation evolve. Make sure that you are constantly listening to and reading about it and educating yourself.
- Be aware that there are different angles to consider in any situation or environment – multiple layers to any scenario
Learn to be a modern leader through our MBA in partnership with Deakin University. The Deakin MBA is designed to build your business acumen, enhance your decision-making and communication skills. You’ll learn to grapple with all of the topics that are key to growth in today’s business landscape and grow within your chosen field.
