How can you find suppliers that prioritize diversity and inclusion in their business practices?

Establishing clear diversity and inclusion goals is essential before pursuing diverse suppliers. By defining specific objectives such as supporting minority-owned businesses or promoting gender equality, you can create a focused strategy for evaluating potential suppliers. This intentional approach ensures that your efforts to promote diversity and inclusion are measurable and aligned with your business values.

To find suppliers that prioritize diversity and inclusion in their business practices, I would start by researching directories and certifications like the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) or the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). There is also the option to look for companies that have published diversity and inclusion reports or have been recognized with awards for their efforts in these areas. Additionally, reaching out to industry networks and professional associations that focus on diversity can provide recommendations and connections to such suppliers.

First and the foremost is to find the actual status within your organization. Most important is management's TRUE willingness for diversity and their concern, for example whether such topics have been main agenda points of meetings and board meetings? Are there already some ambessadors within the organization, objective is real or superficial? Are there persons who can stand alone in the crowd and make their voice.

One aspect I see is the definition of what diversity means to you, what levers are you looking at promoting within and beyond the organization. Does this align with thevpurpose of your business. Community impact is important, but it is even more important to be aligned to your goals and purpose to have a sustained impact.

Thorough research is essential for finding suppliers committed to diversity and inclusion (D&I). Industry-specific directories, networks, and professional associations are valuable resources for identifying certified diverse suppliers. Engaging with these organizations and attending trade shows focused on diversity expands your network while ensuring you find capable and reliable suppliers that align with your D&I criteria.

There are two ways of research, one is by B School book guide and popularity trend and other is OOB. I would suggest a mix of both, while B School knowledge has back up of real life examples and popular trends, OOB (OUT OF BOX) is concerned about the local culture and roadblocks, team building and many other simple and smart techniqes.

Asking direct questions about diversity and inclusion (D&I) policies and practices during negotiations or meetings with potential suppliers is essential. Inquire about workforce composition, leadership team diversity, and D&I training programs. A supplier committed to D&I will be transparent and able to provide concrete examples of their inclusive practices, demonstrating their alignment with your values.

Suppliers need to present their diversity strategy. Also, it is important to review how ate they validating and educating the teams that they are themselves considering under various pillars of diversity.

Once the house is set, the suppliers can be questioned. It would be more or less the same way as done within the organization with internal customers. The focus should be a cultural adaption and not firm filling task.

Assessing a supplier's commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I) requires looking beyond surface-level indicators. Seek evidence of long-term dedication, such as participation in diversity programs, partnerships with diverse organizations, or awards for D&I efforts. Suppliers engaged in community outreach or mentorship programs show a genuine commitment to fostering diversity beyond their company boundaries.

Commitment without recognitions and rewards is temporary. There are statistical ways to keep a check on commitment but it should always be measured with internal benchmark and respective score.

Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) related to diversity and inclusion (D&I) and tracking them over time is crucial after selecting suppliers aligned with your D&I values. These KPIs might include the percentage of spending with diverse suppliers or the impact of your partnership on the supplier's growth. Regularly reviewing these metrics ensures accountability and helps gauge the efficacy of your D&I initiatives.

As said above, performance measure is to be more than formal and focused on cultural change, adaption and easy. It is something like put the seat belt before you drive, I do it not out of fear of traffic violation but as a safety habit.