Equipping Leaders to Create an Inclusive DEI Culture

Over the past month, Syntrio has been fortunate to partner with a forward-thinking organization in a series of workshops intended to create an environment of inclusion through learning and growth. Our client is clearly committed to the success and sustainability of its talent and seeks to demonstrate its commitment in a group setting. While this organization is already on the right track to an inclusive environment, Syntrio assisted by teaching leaders the necessary skills to impart to their team (with the goal of building on an already healthy culture). We worked with our client to help leaders understand how bias plays a role in decision-making and why a careful understanding of our biases is critical to welcoming diverse and inclusive thoughts into all levels of the work environment.

Learner Reaction Shows a Growing Understanding of the True Meaning of DEI

While traveling to various cities, we had the opportunity to meet and connect with dozens of leaders from various backgrounds. In addition to presenting material on the power of a healthy workplace and inclusivity at work, we had the opportunity to learn from our client’s leaders by listening to their experiences and understanding what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to them.  Learners quickly admitted they came into the workshops without fully understanding what DEI means to a healthy workplace, beyond what they hear and see among one another and in the news.

DEI is a Critical Component of a Healthy Workplace

More and more organizations understand the value of including diverse thoughts and backgrounds in the framework of leadership and the workplace culture at large. Where employees feel respected, comfortable, and have a true sense of belonging, they are more willing to share ideas (and constructive criticism) and provide insight into cultural and geographic knowledge and diverse ways of solving problems. When leaders can open their minds to the value of including a variety of thoughts, they can understand that performance improves. This helps the leaders and workforce in their day-to-day work. It also helps the organization attract and retain the best possible talent by improving its internal and external reputation.

Admitting Bias is Uncomfortable

One of the key facets of Syntrio’s building inclusive leaders workshop is an exploration of the different types of biases we all have and their impact on our decision-making. While learners reported their initial discomfort with discovering how biases impact their daily lives, they quickly understood how bias could be mitigated. They quickly grew comfortable sharing how they sometimes did not know how significant (yet often unknown) a force bias is.

Once strategies are imparted to mitigate (rather than eliminate) the impact bias has on leaders’ strategies, learners can gain a greater sense of confidence and open-mindedness that extends far beyond the workplace setting and into a more inclusive way of thinking outside of work. A vast majority of learners reported the realization that bias is neither good nor bad, yet exists at all levels of thought was eye-opening and something to keep front of mind to be more inclusive at work.

Key Considerations

When considering the level of additional learning your organization is willing to invest in, it is critical to consider the value of a healthy workplace culture. In organizations where leaders and other workforce members are given the opportunity to develop take-home skills that enrich their lives and open their minds, they are proven to perform better. By demonstrating your commitment to inclusion beyond EEO and other legal and compliance-focused goals, your organization shows its workforce that it cares and is committed to creating and keeping a healthy workplace culture.

When employees are given the opportunity to shine in a group setting and share their thoughts and feelings on these important topics, they are more motivated to impart the skills they have learned to their team members. Such environments demonstrate DEI in action and break down stereotypes about its goals. Learners can leave the session understanding that many dimensions of diversity exist far beyond those on a list of protected classes and begin to see things differently. Syntrio welcomes the opportunity to expand your learning beyond the traditional aspects of e-learning and compliance training and would appreciate the opportunity to show how we can custom-tailor a workshop to your needs. After all, your workforce is your organization’s most important asset, and you owe it to them to demonstrate your commitment to DEI and a healthy workplace.

Syntrio’s DEI Training will allow all employees unique opportunities to self-reflect and action plan around themselves, their teams, the organization, and those they serve.