Karen A. Blackman, M.P.A.,LSSGB’s Post

Friday Fun: The DEI Detective🕵️♀️ Happy Friday, everyone! Let's kick off the weekend with a fun story about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Once upon a time in the bustling city of Diversityville, there was a legendary detective named Detective Inclusion. One bright and sunny day, she got a frantic call from Mr. Equitas, the CEO of Equitas Enterprises. Despite their best efforts, their DEI strategies just weren’t cutting it, and the workplace was in disarray. Detective Inclusion quickly gathered her team: Agent Equity, the champion of fairness, and Agent Diversity, who brought a fresh perspective to every case. They arrived at Equitas Enterprises and immediately spotted the problems. Employees were cliqued up in groups and not collaborating with others. The company had great DEI policies, but they weren’t being enforced consistently. And the leadership team didn’t reflect the diversity of the workforce. Rolling up their sleeves, Detective Inclusion and her team sprang into action. They organized team-building activities to mix things up and get people working together. They made sure the DEI policies were enforced fairly across the board. And they worked on developing a more inclusive leadership pipeline. The transformation was magical. Teams collaborated better, employees felt valued and heard, and the leadership became more diverse and inclusive. Equitas Enterprises not only improved its DEI outcomes but also saw a boost in overall performance and employee satisfaction. And so, the DEI Detective Agency saved the day yet again, proving that a little teamwork, fairness, and inclusive leadership can go a long way. Let’s all take a page from Detective Inclusion’s book and continue to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces. Have a fantastic weekend! 🌟 #FridayFun #DEI #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #WorkplaceCulture #BlackProfessionalsIreland

"𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀?" As I watched the inspiring performances of our athletes at the Paris Olympics over the past two weeks, I was filled with immense pride in being British. This year’s Games, with a record-breaking audience of 28.6 million viewers for the opening ceremony, have not only showcased incredible athletic prowess but also highlighted the personal journeys of athletes who have overcome significant challenges, including mental health struggles, to represent our nation. Seeing the Union Jack proudly draped over their shoulders, I couldn’t help but reflect on how our diverse heritages—from the Caribbean to North Asia, Africa, and South Asia to many more—unite us under shared values. As a black man, this sense of belonging and pride resonated deeply with me, affirming that our values are what truly bring us together, regardless of where we come from. However, this pride was contrasted by unsettling scenes in Bristol, the city where I live, where some used the Union Jack to promote divisive ideologies. Their message was unmistakable: those of diverse heritage were not welcome. This starkly different representation of our national values made me reflect on the powerful role that values play in shaping our identity and, more importantly, our actions—both as individuals and within organisations. In the business world, just as the Union Jack represents a range of values on a national stage, an organisation’s culture reflects the values its leaders uphold. These values are not just a matter of preference; they are what attract and unite us. Early in my career, I learned that customer loyalty is not to the brand itself but to the values it embodies. It’s crucial for businesses to ensure that their values align with those of their customers because no marketing campaign can ever repair the damage caused by actions that betray these shared principles. Misalignment between stated values and actions can undermine trust, while alignment fosters long-lasting relationships with customers and the broader community." As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. As leaders, how do you ensure that your organisation’s values are reflected in every interaction with customers and the community? I’d love to hear your experiences and insights. #Leadership #OrganizationalCulture #Values #BusinessEthics #Community #Pride

Join my colleague Shelley Willingham, CDE® for an executive briefing to explore today's hyper-charged corporate landscape in which embracing DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) is becoming more and more challenging. The briefing will tackle the growing DEI backlash head-on, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to navigate this complex terrain. Registration link in comments below. The Diversity Movement. You’ll discover: ▶ The root causes of DEI backlash ▶ Effective counter-narratives ▶ The key to building bridges, not walls ▶ Ways to empower yourself and your allies

Do or DEI 11:30am Thursday 2024-06-20 DEI practices have come under scrutiny in some circles, seen as threatening meritocracy or even “reverse discrimination.” David Powe will reprise a discussion from the "Brave Spaces" conference, where the panelists discussed misperceptions of DEI work, possible blind spots of DEI initiatives, and how diversifying the entirety of an organization, from stakeholders to suppliers, positively affects your bottom line. This meeting is free for everyone. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eBi6xwEw Facilitator: David Powe Join the EHC Team for this month's Lunch-n-Learn where we facilitate a discussion around this topic. The purpose is not so much to settle on an answer, but to hold a thought provoking conversation and get people’s thoughts and opinions. Want to learn what Enhancing Human Capital is all about and how it can help your organization thrive ? Contact one of the team members or send an email to ehc@rochesterconsultants.org or check out our page at https://lnkd.in/edM2-m9G Enhancing Human Capital Team David Powe Dave Bassett Devin K. Floyd Bob Manard

🌟 Finding the Right Balance: The Audrey Hepburn Approach 🌟 Audrey Hepburn, a legendary actress of the 1950s, captured hearts and accolades with her iconic performances. But what if I told you that her greatest act wasn't on the silver screen? In the '60s, at the peak of her fame, Hepburn chose a different path. Instead of chasing more movie roles, she dedicated her life to helping children around the world through UNICEF. 🌍 Despite the allure of Hollywood, she followed her heart and left a legacy of compassion and service that transcends any film accolade. This story highlights an important lesson: the balance between efficiency and effectiveness. 💼 While efficiency focuses on doing things quickly, effectiveness is about doing the right things. It's the difference between merely getting things done and making a meaningful impact. The famed 80/20 Rule, often touted as a productivity mantra, urges us to focus on the vital few rather than the trivial many. 📈 It's a powerful tool for streamlining priorities and maximizing results. But as Hepburn's journey illustrates, it's not always a one-size-fits-all solution. Sometimes, the path of least resistance isn't the one that aligns with our deepest values and aspirations. Just ask Jeff Bezos, who traded Wall Street for a garage startup called Amazon, defying conventional wisdom and rewriting the rules of commerce. So, how do we strike the right balance? 🤔 By embracing the audacity to pursue what truly matters, even if it means charting a new course or challenging the status quo. It's about harnessing the power of effectiveness while staying true to our unique passions and purpose. As we navigate the complex landscape of life and work, let's remember Audrey Hepburn's timeless wisdom: true success isn't measured by accolades or wealth, but by the lives we touch and the difference we make in the world. 🌟 #EffectivenessOverEfficiency #AudreyHepburnLegacy #PurposeDrivenLeadership

*Fairness And Integrity* Living with fairness and integrity is more than just a personal choice; it's a legacy we leave for the next generation. We set a powerful example by consistently making decisions that reflect honesty and respect. These actions strengthen our character and influence those around us, creating a ripple effect of positive behavior. Embracing fairness and integrity means standing up for what is right, even when challenging, and showing others that living by these values leads to a more just and compassionate world. Each of us plays a crucial role in this transformation, and our actions are significant in shaping the future. Demonstrating fairness and integrity in our daily lives builds trust and fosters mutual respect within our communities. Simple acts, like being transparent in our interactions, treating everyone with respect, and advocating for others, reflect our commitment to these principles. When we live by these values, we inspire others to do the same, creating a culture where fairness and integrity are the norms. By upholding these ideals, we ensure that those who look up to us see a model worth emulating, shaping a future where these virtues are deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness. Take care and have a great day!

How to be an effective ally? Nominate & spotlight someone in your organisation that has been doing their part in bringing in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion! 10 days left - Need help with nominating? Just reach out to us! Pass it forward! Take action & support the change you want to experience. #diversityequityandinclusion #championsofchange

VALUES MATTER: J&J is believed to be one of the first companies to put its corporate culture into words. And its beliefs are as strong today as they were 80 years ago. https://lnkd.in/e2fBNzAA

In a recent email to US Christian Chamber of Commerce members titled, Here’s why Christian companies struggle to find good employees RedBalloon CEO, Andrew Crapuchettes - RedBalloon.work said, "SWC 2024 will be one of the most important events of the year as we unite our efforts to strengthen Christian values in the American marketplace." Read the entire article and learn why Christian companies struggle to find good employees and what you can do about it. https://lnkd.in/e7e7s2y8

In 2016, Beyoncé’s performance at the CMA Awards sparked backlash from fans complaining about everything from her attire to her lack of connection to the genre. This year, she released her first country album, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Her actions over the past eight years have been a case study in how to navigate workplace exclusion. 1. it often makes sense to exit the conversation and wait for a better moment to respond. 2. work behind the scenes, ideally with collaborators, to push for change. 3. consider focusing on your own authenticity and strengths to create your own lane within your organization or outside it. #DiversityandInclusion