Diversity. California. 2012 - I can't think of a better topic to be discussing in a better place at a better time. Social issues, economic concerns, educational challenges, political dynamics and global trends - all point to the sense of urgency and relevancy of D&I as these dynamic factors continue to change the game of American business.
Historically, diversity in organizations has meant the hiring and retention of people from historically underrepresented ethnic, gender and racial backgrounds as a means of remedying past inequalities and benefitting the organization's bottom line at the same time. Many of these programs focus almost exclusively on increasing racial diversity. Despite the noble goals of racial diversity iniatives, recent research suggests that an organization's failure to clearly define what type of diversity is sought can actually result in a diversity program that hurts racial minority groups.
The California Diversity Council hosted their annual Women in Leadership Symposium Series on May 15th in Los Angeles and May 17th in San Francisco/ Bay Area. The symposium series featured powerful, executive, women who addressed topics on leadership and career advancement in an effort to educate, inspire, and encourage attendees to reflect on their own goals and status as they strive to advance within their own organizations.
Oct 9, 2012San Francisco Leadership RoundtableSan Francisco, CA
Nov 7, 2012San Diego Healthcare Diversity SummitSan Diego, CA
An employee laces up their athletic shoes and leaves work at 2 p.m. A manager tells an employee walking in the door at 8:02 a.m. "We start at 8 a.m." Another employee informs her restaurant manager she doesn't want to work on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Another employee overhears the conversation and shakes his head mumbling about "work ethic." What are the differences in expectations of the people in these scenarios?
How do you measure productivity? Is it by adding one new client per month; decreasing loss productivity per hour; or increasing weekly sales? Productivity is measured in terms of team performance, but teams must be prepared in order to perform. Leaders have to do their part to make this happen. That said here is a little secret, "employee engagement affects the bottom line!"
Being a knowledge worker in this interrupt driven world of ours takes the stamina of an Olympic athlete, the patience of a saint, and more juggling ability than the best clown in the circus. Leadership, or the power to influence others, is easily forgotten or over-looked given looming deadlines, geographically dispersed teams, and unrealistic expectations. Adding to all of these challenges is the seductive power of mythology; the stories we tell ourselves and each other to help make meaning out of chaos. Consider, please, the following myths and their seductive power over us.
United Nations Day is celebrated annually on October 24. On this day in 1945, the five permanent members of the Security Council (France, China, Soviet Union, United States and United Kingdom) ratified the UN Charter. As of 2013, the United Nations General Assembly has 193 member states with South Sudan being the newest member added to the group.
