October is Global Diversity Awareness Month, and we want to use this opportunity to talk about the Leadership Superpower that is Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (otherwise known as DEI).
DEI allows you as a leader to strengthen your workforce. One type of person from one background can only come from a limited number of perspectives. A drum section isn’t enough – you need the whole symphony to help you realize your dreams and achieve your goals.
DEI doesn’t just apply to background and ethnicity. We all know that hiring people of diverse genders, races, socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences statistically makes a workplace happier and more innovative, productive, and stronger. It reduces turnover too – an important goal in these uncertain times.
Here are some ways you can practice Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in your workplace that you might not have thought of:
Hire someone without the experience for the job. Yep, you read that right. This move has cost advantages, sure. But you also open up the ability to mentor and mold this person into the ideal team member for your organization. Who knows, maybe you even create a completely new position in the process that is better suited to your needs. This move gives your team an opportunity to practice inclusion by mentoring the new hire, and showing the diversity of their own experience in the process.
Make knowledge and understanding a cornerstone. You’d be surprised at how many workers still think it’s unprofessional to talk about their gender and sexual orientation in the workplace. Make it known that this is a place to learn about each other and each other’s backgrounds and lifestyles. Set an example by respectfully expressing an interest in each individual’s hobbies, family activities, and origin stories.
Demonstrate positive mental health practices. Good Mental Health goes hand in hand with Good DEI practices and high productivity in the workplace, so start with leading by example. Show an outlook of appreciation by expressing your gratitude amongst your team. Make it clear when you are taking a 5 minute brain break, and encourage your team to do the same. Start a mentorship program that allows you, senior staff, and even employees to mentor each other and your peers in your positions. And don’t forget that what happens outside the workplace affects the workplace – if you sense something is wrong, address it in a respectful way.
Are you a leader who doesn’t know where to start when it comes to implementing DEI? We can help. Visit THIS Predictive Index blog on overcoming fears around DEI, and reach out to us for one-to-one advice on this and many other topics.
RESOURCES:
https://www.predictiveindex.com/blog/normalizing-mental-health-awareness-this-may-and-beyond/?
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