Q: Amid the Academy Awards controversy, is it okay to force an industry to make diversity changes or is it the wrong approach and should evolve naturally? A: Diversity of representation does not evolve naturally, and cannot be forced. But it can be encouraged, which is what I see happening. The big brohaha at […]
Continue reading →Q: What are some good ways to make working at a startup friendly to underrepresented folks? A: 1. Create an environment that is truly inclusive of all people. 2. Understand that “different” does not equal “deficient.” 3. Replace judgment of others with curiosity about others. 4. Value viewpoints and experiences that differ from the norm. […]
Continue reading →Q: What are some of the challenges of workplace diversity? A: We all have narratives running in our heads about how the world and the people in it work, act, behave and believe. These scripts are formed based on what we are taught and experience when young, and throughout life. Workplace diversity is about seeking, […]
Continue reading →It’s well known that an inclusive, equitable and diverse workforce innovates better and faster — and measurably outperforms homogeneous organizations. What isn’t well know is that inclusive leadership is required to develop this kind of company. If you believe you are an inclusive and culturally responsive leader, ask yourself the following questions: Do you […]
Continue reading →A great deal has been published about the negative effects of unconscious bias, the knowledge that we all have, and often act on, negative biases about those who are not like us. Yet, positive biases can have just as profound an effect. Here’s how it goes: By helping others with whom we have relationships, we […]
Continue reading →Growing up, my parents (with good intention) taught my siblings and me to be “color-blind.” This is the common view that all people are important, and differences exist in skin color and other visible traits only. I’m humbled to say that it took me decades to learn to be “color-brave” and understand that difference exists in skin color, […]
Continue reading →It stands to reason that as social attitudes change and more welcoming, inclusive workplace environments are created, the number of women and minorities will increase. The challenge is over what period of time? The latest study is worth exploring. It shows that are the current rate of change, women will achieve parity with men in […]
Continue reading →Individuals identify in many different ways: gender, race, national origin, religious affiliation, personality preference, educational attainment, socio-economic class, and much more. I find it intriguing that people who have attained some measure of success, whatever they define that to be, tend to identify themselves as either lucky, privileged or blessed. It makes me reflect on what the […]
Continue reading →Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, recently contributed a thoughtful article on the need for servant leadership. This is not a new concept in business or leadership, but it’s also not a widely used one either. It’s largely based on the belief that the best leaders are those who fully internalize and act on their role […]
Continue reading →scathing review of amazon in the NY Times. really. ugly. and here’s one tidbit: they have zero women in top jobs. yep, zero. and they claim to value diversity of thought, leaving me to wonder where it comes from? Inside Amazon: Wrestling Big Ideas in a Bruising Workplace
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