What do you do if your executives are not fostering a positive and inclusive work environment?

1 Understand the root causes

The first step is to understand why your executives are not creating a positive and inclusive work environment. There could be many reasons, such as lack of awareness, resistance to change, fear of losing power, or personal biases. You need to identify the specific barriers and motivations that are influencing their behavior and attitudes. You can do this by conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups, or observations, or by using existing data and feedback.

3 Provide training and coaching

The third step is to provide training and coaching to your executives on how to foster a positive and inclusive work environment. You need to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and tools to lead with DEI. You can do this by offering workshops, webinars, mentoring, or peer learning opportunities that cover topics such as unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, cultural competence, or allyship. You can also provide them with feedback, recognition, or incentives to reinforce their learning and behavior change.

4 Involve them in the strategy

The fourth step is to involve your executives in the strategy and implementation of fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. You need to make them part of the solution and not the problem. You can do this by inviting them to join or sponsor DEI committees, task forces, or initiatives that align with their goals and interests. You can also ask them to set and track DEI objectives, indicators, and actions for themselves and their teams.

5 Hold them accountable

The fifth step is to hold your executives accountable for fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. You need to monitor their progress and performance and ensure that they are meeting their commitments and expectations. You can do this by conducting regular reviews, audits, or surveys that measure their DEI results and impact. You can also use performance management, reward, or disciplinary systems to reward or correct their behavior.

6 Support their growth

The sixth step is to support your executives' growth and development as they foster a positive and inclusive work environment. You need to acknowledge their efforts and achievements and celebrate their successes. You can do this by providing them with praise, recognition, or appreciation that highlight their DEI contributions and outcomes. You can also offer them opportunities for further learning, networking, or exposure that enhance their DEI competencies and confidence.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?