Diversity, equity & inclusion
Our first Leadership Update of the year focuses on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) from a ‘what does this mean for leaders’ perspective. We asked our research and data analytics lead Juliet Hammond and Head of EMEA, Mark Ferguson to hit the record button on their conversation discussing one or two topics from the list. They chose the interview with Diversity and Inclusion expert Marsha Ramroop in Squadify’s We not Me podcast, and Training Journal’s ‘How to have impactful, authentic DE&I conversations’.
Their conversation touches on the distinction between diversity and inclusion and how increased self-awareness and recognition that we all bring bias to the table is crucial. They highlight that we’re all at different points on the DE&I journey but that being present and self-aware will lead us to recognise our own bias which in turn, will help us to recognise it in others.
DE&I is a huge subject and we hope that this month’s Leadership Update combined with Juliet and Mark’s conversation helps bring some fresh perspective to your thinking, especially when considering DE&I from a leadership viewpoint.
We hope you enjoy the first Leadership Update of the year, and that you’ll join throughout 2023 – watch the video, and check out the full list below!
Research in leadership
The importance of culture after the Great Resignation
Research in Forbes finds 74% of American workers believe culture influences their job performance and 63% believe it impacts organisational success. Increasingly workers are choosing employers for culture more than the job so it’s fundamental to attracting talent
What works, and what doesn't, in transformation
BCG identifies three essential elements of successful transformations – holistic management of change efforts, consistent leadership alignment and employee-centric change management. With these three dimensions in place success is twice as likely on average.
Leaving leadership
Reflecting on the departure from global politics of Jacinda Ardern and Nicola Sturgeon some commentators have recognised the toxic culture surrounding politicians. They both identified their humanity as a reason to leave – what is your culture doing to your people?
Workplace rituals: Recapturing the magic of what we've lost
McKinsey partners discuss workplace rituals and how they build community and culture in an organisation. With hybrid work we need to be intentional about creating rituals that connect people, even when they are physically apart, to build relationships and belonging
Transform your culture with continuous learning
One of the most powerful culture changes for an organisation to thrive is to adopt a learning culture. Recognising that most learning is not in a formal classroom but every day on the job and through social interactions will enable employees to learn to experiment.
HR Predictions for 2023
Josh Bersin’s Predictions for 2023 include the idea that ‘every company will need to revisit its leadership model’. Companies now work in teams not hierarchies, and focus on skills not jobs. Leadership culture needs to change from directive to supportive and empowering.
Transformational benefits of treating every employee as a leader
Chief People Officer at Gympass has created a paradigm shift in organisational culture by treating every employee as a leader. They feel empowered to drive change and autonomy to make decisions. Engagement, innovation and retention are up, and burnout is down.
Collaborative overload
Prof Rob Cross explains in HBR the concept of Collaborative Overload. Collaboration is taking over the workplace, with many positive outcomes, but too much collaboration is slowing decision making and leading to burn out. We need to collaborate more efficiently.
