Our Global Business Club brought in speaker , Technology Solutions Strategist at Microsoft and Leeds MBA alumni, to discuss diversity and inclusion in the workplace. has over 20 years of committed diversity and inclusion efforts.听 Microsoft defines diversity 鈥渘ot as a finite goal; it is a journey that requires constant self-assessment and recommitment.鈥� In the end, a diverse and inclusive environment will result in better ideas, better products, and better outcomes for customers. How can you be diverse and inclusive at Microsoft? Their answer: Awareness, curiosity, and courage.
We started the conversation by defining diversity and inclusion and recognizing the differences between them.
Diversity is the full range of human and/or organizational differences and similarities.听
Inclusion is the process of leveraging the power of differences and similarities to effectively integrate everyone into the culture of the organization to achieve a common objective.
Cecil made a great point鈥攊nclusion is not 鈥渨e,鈥� it is a lot of 鈥淚.鈥� He posed the question, 鈥淲hat are YOU doing to be inclusive of others?鈥� There is a gap between 鈥渨e鈥� and 鈥淚,鈥� and the 鈥淚鈥� needs to be a focus. Ask yourself, 鈥淎m I being inclusive to my own teammates?鈥�
True diversity and inclusion is a culture; it has to be empowered from the top levels of the company. Diversity can enable inclusion, but it is not a recipe for it. When people try to identify within a sub-group and not celebrate others鈥� perspectives, there can be a real challenge. Cecil emphasized the importance of appreciating the differences in others, persistence, and integrity, and not just trying to fit in. My favorite quote from our lunch hour was 鈥淒on鈥檛 work too hard on fitting in; work too hard on learning things.鈥� If you are authentic and honest, your team, leaders, and peers will accept you.
Cecil mentioned several statistics about diversity, inclusion, and profitability. The report he referenced is viewable . I found this exhibit particularly useful in understanding how diversity positively impacts a company鈥檚 earnings:
Our conversation also addressed unconscious bias; what you don鈥檛 know can hurt others.听 I will end with a quote that Cecil shared: 鈥淔ortunately for serious minds, a bias recognized is a bias sterilized.鈥� 鈥�, Artist & Lecturer.听
We are so grateful to Cecil for sharing his time, perspective, and insights with us!听
