Making Good on DE&I Promises & Inclusive Leadership Behaviors
The theme for our March meeting was Making Good on DE&I Promises and Inclusive Leadership Behaviors from the i4cp Leadership Redefined Series. We shared research insights and had a robust conversation. In the spirit of peer collaboration, we hosted breakouts during this Board meeting giving everyone an opportunity to connect with each other.
We welcomed new CDO Board members Shatorah Donovan, Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Buffalo and Elizabeth Morrison, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Levi’s. We also recognized and gave a huge shoutout to all CDO Board members who provided expertise by collaborating with our Next Practices DEI Monthly Action Calls, HRBP Development Cohort, LAHRA, and Research Advisory Councils for the upcoming studies Cube to Cloud and Workforce Readiness.
We kicked off the meeting with an authentic and robust conversation on the rise in hate crimes against Asians. Many members shared what their organizations are doing and committing to in support of their employees, families, and communities.
Eric Davis then shared some of the topics asked of i4cp by fellow members since the last Board meeting in January. The topics included launching an interfaith ERG/BRG, challenges with self-identification (i.e., racial vs. ethnic identity, LGBTQ, veterans, disability), and setting targets/goals/benchmarking. Eric shared responses and resources to each topic, which can be accessed on our CDO Board Member site. Please remember that you can always email the group with any questions or support needs.
Next, Eric briefly shared and discussed the survey results from i4cp’s Making Good On DE&I Promises pulse survey. We then facilitated a breakout session related to the topic and shared our discussions. The overall consensus was that members were making good progress and impact, are experiencing challenges and managing expectations, but are remaining mindful of their north star. In support of this discussion, Kymberlee Dwinell, head of global D&I at Northrop Grumman, shared their DEI 2020 Key Accomplishments and 2021 Focus.
The second portion of the meeting focused on Leadership Redefined insights as presented by Thomas Stone, Senior Research Analyst at i4cp. This study explores which leadership behaviors became more or less important in 2020, and which are continuing to be critical in 2021. The study leveraged the following 6 dependent variables
- Market performance
- Performance compared with industry
- Culture
- Purpose
- Engagement
- Capability 2021 and beyond
We looked at 69 leadership behaviors and identified 14 Leadership Behaviors Essential for the Future and 7 Leadership Behaviors to Strengthen Culture and Purpose. Tom also showcased the leadership behaviors that specifically related to diversity, equity, and inclusion that have become more/less important.
The group then separated once more into breakout groups and discussed the following question: What challenges are you facing with inclusive leadership?
We ended the call with our typical Wrap up and Reminders. Our next virtual meeting is scheduled for May 26, 2021. We are planning a panel with members of the People Analytics Board (Board Chair Patti Phillips, CEO at the ROI Institute and head of analytics from T. Rowe Price, J&J, Target, Anthem, Lincoln Financial and others) to discuss analyzing DE&I to demonstrate and predict impact as it relates to DE&I practices. Please let us know if you’d like to add an agenda item.
Thank you all for joining us and see you in May.
Jacqui
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