I have been talking with a variety of respected associates about this subject and feedback on how to affect a business and successfully improve Diverse and Inclusive behaviors. The deeper I dig it is apparent for reasons that I did not anticipate that this is an extraordinarily complex initiative if done right and not about “Checking the Box”. I have been a part of many businesses that believed by hiring a Woman or someone of Color the organization was now Diverse and Inclusive. The very nature of how this country was built around a melting pot of different religions, color, ethnic backgrounds makes this as complex and any location of the earth. Some would describe the problem is we all came from a tribe or caste and the need to integrate with other tribes does not make sense. This is not the tribe I grew up, why change? This does not take away from the absolute understanding that Racism exists and needs to be addressed. But the challenge to become Diverse and Inclusive is much different than I expected. As I solicit feedback from peers the fact that this initiative will not be addressed by policy, will not be addressed by a program to CREATE a Diverse and Inclusive efforts in a business. This is much more complex than that. I have more questions than answers. I believe it will be building relationships one on one, one at a time. Trust is paramount in shifting a culture. In the end we cannot change a culture, we can lead the team to see the need to change and lead by example by cultivating one relationship at a time. Whatever plan is developed to improve, it is likely to be evolutionary not revolutionary and the leadership team of each organization will be a key part of it.
