Diversity & Inclusion - Part 1

Today begins an occasional series on my Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) journey. Obviously these issues are important, but I'm looking at them not only from the standpoint of "the right thing to do"; but, that I need to address them in order for my organization to excel.  This isn't about a regulatory mandate or compliance pressure.  This is about making D&I part of how work is done, not an additional task to complete each day.  This is about being world-class.


TAKING THE PLUNGE
So here I am, ready to take a deep dive into D&I.  Gut-check time...am I the right one? Am I the most knowledgeable? Am I the "expert?" So far the answers are easy - No, I am not.


Now what?  Do I throw in the towel because I'm not ready?  Do I wait for the perfect time to kick things off?  Do I invest months of time preparing so the launch will be perfect?  Or, do I take Joe Gerstandt's advice and:  1-Start over in my understanding of D&I, 2-Focus on human nature; and, 3-Get going?

I'm going with Joe's advice.

RE-LEARNING WHAT I KNOW
To assume I "know" the fundamentals of an effective D&I initiative is more than a stretch.  So I'm going to listen, and learn, and push myself to throw away my first reaction to things and go farther.  I've spent years trying to standardize the behaviors, style, and reactions of the employees in my organizations, but Jason Lauritsen turned that view upside down with his recent post at Talent Anarchy.  Standardization does not help, it waters down, distills, and fails to leverage the unique talents and experiences of the employees all around me.


So, I'm starting over.


ENTHUSIASM DOES NOT EQUAL SUCCESS
I now find myself in an interesting place...I'm excited about this process not only for my own growth, but for the impact it may have on my organization. However, simply because I am engaged in this process does not necessarily mean it is going to be a success.  Recognizing now that I need to leverage the talent both inside and outside my immediate circle of influence is essential to achieving sustainable results.  

HOW ABOUT YOU
Do you have valuable lessons to share as part of your D&I journey?  Where did you stumble?  How have you succeeded?  Or, do you still think diversity is an annual ethnic foods picnic and an EEO-1 report?

I'd love to hear from you, and please pass the rice and beans.


No Excuses. 






pics courtesy of http://www.blogtrepreneur.com and http://www.equalityanddiversityuk.com