Immigrants in Corporate (IIC)’s Post

“Diversity is essentially about cultural norms and values.” I came across this in my readings and research. What cultural norms and values are we talking about? The dominant caste, the dominant culture. Inclusion is about recognizing all the contributions that could be made if we welcomed everyone and leveraged each person’s talent, inviting them to participate, welcoming them to the team, and making it safe for all to speak freely. What are you missing out on by not inviting contribution and collaboration from everyone in your organization?

How I failed at diversity in my workforce: (Until I discovered what actually works) Here's what most leaders get wrong about building a diverse workforce. Diversity isn't about hitting quotas or filling seats with different faces. It's about creating spaces where every voice carries weight. Where innovative ideas flow freely. Where unique perspectives shape decisions. Three uncomfortable truths: 1️⃣ Having diverse teams isn't enough You need systems that amplify their voices 2️⃣ Representation without power is meaningless Give your diverse talent real decision-making authority 3️⃣ Culture trumps numbers Build environments where different viewpoints thrive The real measure of diversity? Not who's in the room, but whose ideas shape the future. True inclusion happens when diverse voices don't just speak - they lead. What's one step you're taking to move beyond surface-level diversity in your organization? Share your experience below.

Stephen R. Covey once said that “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.”   And when we talk about diversity in the workplace it is not just a box to check or a move to gain attention. It's a fundamental pillar of an innovative, resilient and successful organization. When we bring people together from different backgrounds, cultures, genders, orientations and abilities, we open the door to a wealth of perspectives that drive fresh ideas, solve complex problems and create a more vibrant work environment. Studies show that diverse teams outperform their peers in profitability, creativity and decision-making. To put it in a simple way - when people feel seen, valued and included, they perform at their best. A diverse workforce reflects the world we live in and the world we serve. Do you keep diversity in mind when you hire for your team ?  How do you maintain it ? Picture: The mocktails that our team enjoyed during our last meet with a dash of pink flowers.

I couldn't resist sharing my personal thoughts on this captivating video my friend shared today, so here they are... In the mosaic of humanity, diversity isn't just a feature; it's the very fabric that weaves success. Embracing people of all genders, colors, cultures, and thoughts isn't just a virtue; it's a necessity. Every shade of difference contributes to the vibrancy and resilience of an organization and its teams. Silos fracture potential, but teamwork nurtures it. Appreciating differences isn't just about tolerance; it's about enrichment. Each individual brings a unique blend of strengths, perspectives, and talents, transforming a collective into a powerhouse of innovation and growth. So, let's champion diversity, not as an option, but as a mandate. Let's recognize and groom those who bring their best to the table, empowering them to amplify the strength of their colleagues and teams. Together, let's build a future where diversity isn't just celebrated—it's the catalyst for excellence.

Diversity and inclusion are key drivers of organisational success, fostering environments where varied perspectives lead to innovative solutions and enhanced problem-solving. By embracing these principles, companies not only enhance their financial outcomes but also create a culture that attracts top talent and nurtures creativity. Read on to learn the numerous ways in which diversity and inclusion contribute to superior team performance. #DiversityandInclusion #InclusiveLeadership #TeamPerformance

🌟 Belonging is not just about fitting in; it's about being embraced for who you are – quirks, strengths, and all. Let's dive into the powerful impact of creating a sense of belonging in our workplaces and communities. 🌟 --- 💡 Feeling a sense of belonging is like finding a cozy spot in a room full of strangers; it's where you can truly be yourself without fear of judgment or rejection. 💡 In a world that often emphasizes conformity, belonging is a celebration of individuality and diversity – it's the key to fostering innovation, creativity, and inclusivity. 💡 When individuals feel a deep sense of belonging, they are more motivated, engaged, and willing to contribute their unique perspective to the collective journey. --- 🌈 Let's strive to cultivate environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. This is how we can unlock the true potential of belonging – a tapestry woven with threads of authenticity and respect. 🌈 --- 🌟 Remember, belonging isn't just a buzzword; it's a fundamental human need that can transform lives and drive positive change in the world. Let's build communities and workplaces that embrace diversity and create space for everyone to belong. 🌟

On Friday, I was asked a question that I think slightly missed the mark. I was asked, What does diversity look like in the workplace? My initial thought, as I don't ever recall being asked this before, was something along the lines that a Supreme Court justice said about another subject except that instead of knowing it when you see it, you know it when its not there. Diversity in the workplace is not easily defined by a single characteristic or checklist. While conversations often focus on race, gender, or orientation, true diversity encompasses a broader spectrum. It's about creating a workforce that reflects the rich variety of society—where individuals bring unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the table. One of the first lessons I learned in the Marine Corps was that flexibility is key to finding solutions. This includes flexibility of thought, which is essential in a diverse workplace. Throughout my career, I’ve prioritized hiring based on the 'soft' skills that individuals develop through life experiences—qualities like empathy, resilience, and adaptability—rather than just their formal qualifications or career paths. These are the attributes that truly drive innovation and collaboration. When you assemble a team of people with similar backgrounds and skills, you often get a narrow approach to problem-solving. But when you bring together individuals with diverse experiences, you foster an environment where creativity thrives, and more robust, effective solutions emerge. I’ve been fortunate to work with people from many different walks of life, and each has expanded my perspective in valuable ways. So, what does diversity in the workplace look like? It’s dynamic, ever-changing, and unique to each organization. If it becomes uniform, it ceases to be true diversity. The goal is to cultivate a culture where differences are not just acknowledged but embraced, leading to stronger teams and better outcomes. So maybe instead of focusing on what diversity looks like, we should be focusing on why it benefits ourselves, our workplace, and our clients.

Diversity of thought, perspective, and experience are key drivers of successful inclusion and diversity initiatives. Leaders can tap into a wealth of insights from staff and community members, regardless of their background. People's diverse lived experiences offer invaluable perspectives for fostering an inclusive culture. For instance, individuals, irrespective of their ethnicity or orientation, who have been immersed in different communities bring unique viewpoints. A White individual raised in a Black or Asian neighborhood can provide valuable insights into these communities' lifestyles, thoughts, and perceptions, benefiting areas like customer service. Similarly, individuals with international exposure or military service backgrounds offer rich perspectives. Leveraging such diverse experiences is instrumental in cultivating an inclusive organizational culture.

At CreedAlly, we understand that diversity and inclusion are essential to fostering a thriving, innovative, and successful organization. We embrace and celebrate the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that each team member brings to the table. Here's how we foster a culture of diversity and inclusion: 1. Inclusive Recruitment and Hiring Practices: We actively seek out diverse talent pools and implement bias-free recruitment processes to attract and retain a diverse workforce. 2. Ongoing Diversity and Inclusion Training: We provide regular training and workshops to raise awareness, promote understanding, and cultivate an inclusive mindset among our team members. 3. Employee Resource Groups: We encourage and support the formation of employee-led resource groups that provide a sense of community, mentorship, and support for underrepresented groups. 4. Inclusive Leadership: Our leadership team actively promotes and embodies the values of diversity and inclusion, setting the tone for an inclusive culture from the top down. 5. Celebrating Diversity: We organize events and initiatives that celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives represented within our team, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding. 6. Open and Respectful Communication: We foster an environment where open dialogue, feedback, and respectful communication are encouraged, allowing for diverse perspectives to be heard and valued. 7. Continuous Improvement: We regularly assess our diversity and inclusion efforts, gathering feedback from our team members to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes. Share your thoughts on this in the comments section below! #CreedAlly #diversity #inclusion #leadership #communication #improvement