Learn how leaders can demonstrate real commitment to DEI through their words, actions and priorities
In order to make real progress toward DEI goals, it is essential that leaders visibly demonstrate commitment to DEI not only through their words, but also their actions and priorities. Middle managers with competing priorities deliver based on what is recognized, rewarded, and role-modeled - not on what aligns with corporate messaging.
While many D&I initiatives begin at a grassroots level among employees, organizational impact is often elusive without leadership engagement and commitment. People from underrepresented groups can’t change the dynamics of the workplace themselves. It requires intentional and coordinated effort and it needs to be led from the top.
Another component of DEI leadership is the power of representation: whether employees see people "like them" among the leaders. Diversity in senior leadership helps people in the organization envision their potential trajectories, feel supported, be able to fully contribute and feel free to be themselves.
Intent is not enough; commitment to action creates impact. Research shows that while 68% of businesses had company-wide diversity as a priority in their DEI strategy, only 25% had leadership diversity as a priority. Another study reveals executives vocally support DEI efforts externally but almost 80% of them privately say these efforts are overblown.
Leaders need to mind (and measure) the gap when it comes to the real impact of their commitment. Research has previously found that leaders were nearly twice as likely as their employees to perceive they were creating empowering environments.
Leaders need to “walk the talk”. They should reflect individually and collectively on their leadership shadow. This is a way to better align their words, actions and priorities to build the DEI capability and commitment of the organization. When middle managers know that the leadership commitment is authentic, change happens.
Ways leaders can show visible commitment to DEI include:
Miss Representation: The Representation Project
ASCE: Leadership & Engagement
Deloitte: The six signature traits of inclusive leadership
Catalyst: MARC
