Fractional Chief People Officer | Executive & Team Coach | Neurodivergent Leader & Advocate | Canine Enthusiast
To my fellow people leaders and coaches: Lets talk about the “E” You might have noticed folks getting spicy on here about SHRM’s recent decision to remove the term "Equity" from their mandate. As leaders and coaches in the startup ecosystem, it's essential for us to understand why equity matters and how it can be integrated into our organizations and coaching practices: ⭐ Why Equity Matters 1️⃣ It is distinct from equality: Equality aims to provide the same resources and opportunities to everyone. Equity goes a step further by recognizing that individuals have different needs and starting points. Imagine giving a group of people the same sized ladder. Now imagine giving each of them a ladder sized for their bodies. One is definitely more helpful. Equity ensures that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. 2️⃣ It enhances diversity and inclusion: Diversity is about increasing representation. Inclusion is about creating a container where everyone can bring their whole selves and have a voice. Equity is about addressing systemic barriers and biases that hold people back, ensuring that diverse talent can thrive. Without equity, efforts in diversity and inclusion can fall short, as they may not address the underlying inequalities that set a population back. 3️⃣ It drives innovation and growth: A workplace that prioritizes equity fosters a culture of trust and collaboration. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to contribute unique perspectives and ideas, driving innovation and business growth. 💡 Integrating Equity into Your Startup and Coaching Practices 💡 1. Conduct an Equity Audit: Assess your current policies, practices, and culture to identify areas where inequities may exist. This can include pay disparities, promotion practices, and access to professional development. 2. Implement Targeted Programs: This could include mentorship programs, leadership development opportunities, and tailored support resources. 3. Foster an Inclusive Culture: Encourage open dialogues about equity, provide training on unconscious bias and ensure that all voices are included in decision-making processes. 4. Measure and Adjust: Regularly measure the impact of your equity initiatives and be willing to adjust your strategies as needed. 💡 Coaching for Equity 💡 As coaches, we have a unique opportunity to influence and support leaders in their equity efforts. By incorporating equity principles into our coaching practices, we can: - Help leaders identify and address their own biases. - Support the development of equitable leadership practices. - Provide tools and strategies for them to reflect, evoke awareness, and drive sustainable change in their organizations Equity is not just a buzzword; it's a critical component of building a thriving, innovative, and inclusive working world. #Equity #DEIB #Leadership #Inclusion #Innovation #Diversity #Coaching
This is such a big setback that follows the trend of the banning of affirmative action in education policy. I can’t see how the facade of “focusing on inclusion” and “putting equity under inclusion focus” will be enough in creating a level playground for everyone to thrive and success together, if the need for addressing the equity aspects is being put to a second thought. Very disappointing from a big and influential group such as SHRM. This shows that in the end for them it’s all just slogan and buzzwords with little care and actions.
#SaveTheE until we don’t need it, we need it
Lisa Friscia
5mo
So well stated and I really appreciate the tangible tips to integrate equity.
Helping Multi-Role Adults Handle the Weight of Life w/o Feeling Overwhelmed, Drowning or Stuck on Autopilot. 👇🏾Build Your Capacity
5moAs a Black woman and mental health professional, I'm not opposed to removing the "E" from DEIB. Here's why: Equity, while well-intended, can psychologically set back the very populations it aims to help. It focuses on lack and deficiencies, reinforcing an imperial mindset where individuals, like myself, fixate on what we lack rather than our potential. Additionally, equity fosters dependency on external validation, maintaining a socialized mindset and preventing us from self-determining our needs. Instead, providing equal access to resources fosters internal growth and true inclusivity.