Takeaways
What Is Your Takeaway?
Did a story inside this issue of EVOLVE spark a new idea? The editors and writers aim to provide readers like you- Chamber and community members- compelling relevant content that informs and inspires you. What is your takeaway this issue? We’ d love to hear from you.
Best Practices
So, how does inclusion happen in great organizations? Not easily. It is a journey that requires intentional thought and action. Recognized best practices in achieving an inclusive corporate culture include:
Make it personal. CEOs and leaders, who take diversity and inclusion personally, instill that same commitment into their leadership and employees. It isn’ t about an initiative; it is about a way of life.
Measure. The old saying about“ what gets measured gets done” holds true in Diversity and Inclusion, as well. If it is important to an organization, measurement and continual improvement are necessary.
Hold leaders accountable. Make sure leaders in the organization understand their role in achieving results. Make it a part of their overall management review. Tie results to their compensation.( Money does talk.) Encourage great role models – developing and promoting diversity, supporting diverse resource groups and recruiting diverse candidates.
Recruit diversity. The more you recruit it, the more opportunities there are to increase an organization’ s diversity. Candidates want to see people who have achieved and who look like them.
Educate and train. Understanding other cultures doesn’ t just happen. A course in Unconscious Bias demonstrates that everyone has biases. Once we recognize that, it is easier to think and do something about it.
Make the Chief Diversity Officer position count. Make them an integral part of the leadership team with responsibilities, demonstrating their impact top and bottom line performance – because they do.
Diversity and inclusion create better organizations – with strong financials, talent, customer service, innovation, market share and more. It takes leaders committed to creating a diverse organization who require others to follow their lead. It may be a challenge, but diversity and inclusion do matter.
Share your comments and insights by emailing Editor @ EvolveDaytona. com.
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Terri L. Quinton is CEO and President of Q2 Marketing Group, an award-winning marketing and business development firm servicing small and mid-sized firms. She has been recognized with numerous awards for her work and commitment to diversity and inclusion, including recent induction into the Women’ s Business Enterprise Hall of Fame.
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