First published on LinkedIn.
For this month's poll I asked all of you about transparency between you and your manager, a key component to progress in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) initiatives.
As I often say to my clients, middle managers have the BIGGEST impact in how DEIB is driven throughout the organization. They have the highest and most frequent touchpoints with employees. When looking for key stakeholders who have an "ear to the ground" for your DEIB Council or Taskforce...recruit these individuals!!
HOWEVER, there was also a SHRM study that reported 41% of managers are "too busy" to implement DEIB initiatives... are we too busy or is it a lack of strategic alignment and business priorities?
Middle management and senior/upper level management need to walk hand-in-hand on DEIB. Since the work is about transforming culture, make sure your team is staying accountable and doing it TOGETHER.
Every individual in the organization can be considered a key stakeholder – it's how we communicate, lead by example (because we are all leaders), and hold ourselves accountable – that transforms culture into one that is more inclusive, fosters belonging and is psychologically safe for ALL employees.
So then... at the foundational level, as a business leader are you facilitating an environment where every individual feels like they have a stake in the changing of your organization's culture? Ask yourself – why or why not?
SEPTEMBER OBSERVANCES
September is National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 16. According to Pew Research Center, Hispanic/Latino-identifying Americans account for the second largest racial or ethnic group, reflecting the increasing trend of diversification in American life.
September 9 is Mom's Equal Pay Day, who are paid $0.75 to every $1 a White Dad earns.
September 18 is International Equal Pay Day. The gender pay gap is estimated at 23% globally.
September 21 is Black Women's Equal Pay Day, who are paid $0.58 to every $1 a White man earns.
September 24 is also Native American Day, a Federal holiday observed in California and Nevada in September, and South Dakota and Oklahoma in October.
Until next month... Be well and stay safe & healthy!