The Power Of Diversity & Inclusion by Marques Ogden

People, because of the lockdown and the new way of doing business, are threatening the relationship with their colleagues and clients, reacting emotionally and most of the time aggressively. Especially when it comes to mistakes, stress and, arguments like racism - it was his/her fault, he/she doesn’t understand because of his/her accent! - Does it sound familiar?R.A.C.E. model is just one of the ideas Marques will share with us on October, 2nd.

In the past months, the discussion about diversity and inclusion in the workplace has arisen, especially after episodes like the killing of George Floyd’s and Breonna Taylor - which moved many people around the world in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The most innovative and forward-thinking companies are conscious of the power of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, but the hard and difficult times we are living caused by the covid19 crisis, and the remote working discussions, are putting in danger the patience and commitment also of the strongest leaders.

People, because of the lockdown and the new way of doing business, are threatening the relationship with their colleagues and clients, reacting emotionally and most of the time aggressively. Especially when it comes to mistakes, stress and, arguments like racism - it was his/her fault, he/she doesn’t understand because of his/her accent! - Does it sound familiar?

The rising of racism (against the “diverse” which can be a person from North/South Europe, a man/woman, someone from a different religion/political idea, a different ethnic group and/or color of skin and so on) is growing so fast and in parallel with the anxiety for covid19, have you noticed that?

Leaders have to face seriously also this challenge, trying to create a safe place for communication (it can be virtual), providing resources for a calm and constructive conversation about race.

Marques Ogden suggests to the Leadership Team that “backing these conversations with experiences, evidence, and good intentions are better than not having the hard conversations about race/equality in the workplace. We are all in this together, and with healthy dialogue and strong inclusion, we can start to create real change”

He also created on his blog a very useful scheme:

R- Reduce ANXIETY and FEAR behind Race / Inequality

A great way to reduce fear and anxiety behind Race/Inequality issues is to have “safe and open conversations” with people facilitating dialogue where employees and team members can feel free to express themselves without fear of being judged. You must set ground rules for these conversations, and your facilitators must stay alert and aware that the rules for the talks are properly followed

A- Accept how people see RACE

One way to do this would be for the leadership team to share some of their experiences around race. Then, the Leadership team can invite employees to do the same.

C- Create a Team of Diverse individuals to overlook the Diversity & Inclusion of the company

Leadership teams can also encourage employees to develop a diverse network of internal and external allies and lean on these individuals for help when needed.

E- Expect that you will have to provide ANSWERS/RESOURCES/TOOLS to back the brand’s stance on equality

You have the incredible opportunity to send questions for Marques by registering to our workshop, designed entirely around your needs, fears and real necessity. Marques will reply LIVE on October 2nd, 2020.

Link on image to register.