By Robin Pedrelli

Robin Pedrelli,
co-founder and partner of VisionSpring, Inc
In most organizations, diversity and inclusion is best approached with a top-down, bottom-up strategy. While it’s imperative that D&I efforts are supported by the CEO and actively engages leaders, one cannot discount the impact of employee involvement. Engaging employees at all levels is the most effective way to reach critical mass and communicate the import of diveristy and inclusion. Often employees are eager to join in the process but lack the know-how and confidence to take action. It is important to let employees know that there are many ways to contribute and support D&I efforts and does not necessarily require expertise in the field.
This article offers some concrete tips that are designed to engage employees at all levels within the organization. Remember it is important to commit to the process, value the thoughts and ideas of everyone, and celebrate along the way.
How Employees Can Support Diversity and Inclusion
- Know the diversity goals and vision of your organization and its connection to the overall business objectives. Commit to the process by understanding how diversity impacts your role, and how your role impacts the success of the diversity initiative.
- Participate in employee engagement surveys and respond as openly and honestly as possible. Finding an internal champion with whom you can comfortably express concerns and/or elicit advice can be instrumental in supporting your efforts.
- Actively engage in the diversity effort. You can take part in or start an Employee Resource Group, or volunteer to chair or serve on committees that organize diversity-related events and activities. Consider becoming a mentor, mentee, or part of a co-mentoring relationship. These activities require a commitment of time, but represent a valuable opportunity for personal and professional development.
- Become culturally competent. Take the time to learn about different cultures, races, religions and backgrounds represented by your colleagues. Ask your coworkers to share some of the customs and practices associated with their cultures. Become familiar with diversity-related terms and, if you err, apologize and ask for help.
- Treat people in a way they wish to be treated rather than the way you wish to be treated. Common social activities and practices that are comfortable for you may not be comfortable for everyone. Do not tell offensive jokes that may alienate those who are different from you — even if they are not present at the time. Most importantly, be respectful always. Diversity exists everywhere — not just in the office. Take these diversity principles into your community and your home.
- Drive positive change in the organization. Be a spokesperson for diversity issues that are not necessarily your own. Any organization will find it difficult to ignore the powerful voice created when groups representing different diversity dimensions unite.
- Welcome ideas that are different from your own, and support fellow teammates. The creativity that comes with diversity can help you generate new ideas or improve a process already in place. It can also make work more interesting, engaging, and fun.
- Understand the diversity elements you personally bring to the organization. Diversity comes not only in the form of culture, race, and gender but also includes elements such as socio-economic background, education level, geographic location, sexual orientation, thought, and many others. Each of us brings to the table a lifetime of experiences and knowledge. Each of us is different and adds value to the organization because of these differences.
- Commit to continuous improvement. Be willing to learn, accept feedback, and listen to the concerns of those around you. Even the most enlightened individual can find opportunities for growth.
- Communicate and educate. Diversity work is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, patience, and perseverance. Be tolerant of coworkers who do not yet appreciate the value of diversity or who may not always behave respectfully. Often, negative behavior comes from ignorance rather than malice. A willingness to educate can go along way.
Robin Pedrelli is the co-founder and partner of VisionSpring, Inc. VisionSpring, Inc. is a WBENC certified, women owned and operated diversity and inclusion consulting firm offering fully integrated strategy development, workforce planning, training and continuous learning solutions to leverage diversity and inclusion to drive innovation and improved business outcomes. We provide customized strategic solutions that address the specific needs of each client and blend workforce, workplace, marketplace and community related goals.
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October 10, 2014 #2 AuthorHowever, several students missing admission in order to their Dream College as well as university but not buying the essential attention to write down That essay, a admission essay.
Harold M. Frost, III, Ph.D.
October 27, 2014 #3 AuthorThank
you, Ms. Robin Pedrelli, for your Guest Blog. Unfortunately it does not mention
“disability” or the “disabled” as a component of the
D&I spectrum. And, mention of disability at the web
site as accessed today (October 27, 2014) for your company VisionSpring, Inc.
was limited to its
online calendar for “FEBRUARY 2013 – CULTURAL COMPETENCE,” viz.,
Articles/White Papers on “Including People with Disabilities in D&I
Efforts,” plus Research on “Costs and Benefits of Workers with
Disabilities” and “Effective Strategies to Recruit and Retain Employees
with Disabilities.” To integrate disability, especially mental
disability, into your article, perhaps your approach #10 would be where to
start, such as with communicating with and educating those who initially are
unwilling to work with the disabled or with certain categories of the disabled,
with disability being understood, for example, in terms of U.S. statutory laws
like the ADA of 1990 and the ADAAA of 2008, plus the corresponding provisions in the CFR.
Suryi
October 1, 2019 #4 AuthorI believe this entry is outdated, the law has been dramatically changed thru time my friend.
To integrate disability, especially mental
disability, into your article, perhaps your approach #10 would be where to
start, such as with communicating with and educating those who initially are
unwilling to work with the disabled or with certain categories of the disabled,
with disability being understood, for example, in terms of U.S. statutory laws
like the ADA of 1990 and the ADAAA of 2008, plus the corresponding provisions in the CFR.
EssayTrust
July 3, 2015 #5 AuthorOnce an organization has successfully modified their recruitment and hiring practices to reach a more diverse audience, the next step is to successfully engage and support them as employees.
Carlene Forbes
October 26, 2018 #6 AuthorWhy bother with the notion of inclusiveness and I say notion because the newly appointed Judge will soon tear it down with guidance from #45. Any strides made will soon disappear.
SaraDVL
December 10, 2018 #7 AuthorFor diversity practices to be successful, you also need to facilitate an inclusive work culture.
JOE JOHNSON
December 26, 2018 #8 AuthorDoes anyone there know that the root word for diversity is DIVIDE ? This is truly a divided or diverse country. We are divided by color of the skin, language, religion and culture. Diversity is not what made this country great it was Unity. Comments from a black perspective.
Paul Rudewicz
August 15, 2019 #9 AuthorUnfortunately, my experience in diversity resulted in off shoring and loss of jobs locally. That was easily predicted by the employees but the management lied and many lost jobs. Diversity is only the beginning of off shoring and job losses, layoffs etc.
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August 19, 2019 #10 AuthorDiversity on unity
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August 12, 2020 #11 AuthorWe are still not there yet, but more and more groups are lobbying for it
Behl
October 1, 2019 #12 AuthorBeing culturally competent is I think the most practical for me, I've been working with the most diversified work place in the country and this what works best.
Scotty
October 28, 2019 #13 AuthorCommunicating with and educating those who initially are
unwilling to work with the disabled or with certain categories of the disabled,
with disability being understood, for example, in terms of U.S. statutory laws.
Scotty
October 16, 2019 #14 AuthorTreat people in a way they wish to be treated rather than the way you wish to be treated. Common social activities and practices that are comfortable for you may not be comfortable for everyone. Do not tell offensive jokes that may alienate those who are different from you — even if they are not present at the time. Most importantly, be respectful always. Diversity exists everywhere — not just in the office. Take these diversity principles into your community and your home.
pauline patrick
October 16, 2019 #15 AuthorActively engage in the diversity effort. You can take part in or start an Employee Resource Group, or volunteer to chair or serve on committees that organize diversity-related events and activities. Consider becoming a mentor, mentee, or part of a co-mentoring relationship. These activities require a commitment of time, but represent a valuable opportunity for personal and professional development.
Cleopatra Pamesa
October 22, 2019 #16 AuthorIf we couldn’t measure the impact of our diversity and inclusion efforts and programs, it would be a hard sell among company executives.
Oliver
November 4, 2019 #17 AuthorOne way to build awareness of diversity and foster greater inclusivity is to be aware of and acknowledge a variety of upcoming religious and cultural holidays. When closing out a team call or meeting, if the audience isn’t too large, ask how people plan to celebrate the holiday. Use your company’s intranet to help employees be aware of and keep track of multicultural religious or holiday celebrations. Be respectful of these days when scheduling meetings, and understand that employees may have different needs and require flexibility.
Kelsey Freimark
November 6, 2019 #18 AuthorDiversity has always been an issue for some people especially in the workplace. It does not seem like people welcome different culture into their lives because it is different from theirs. As someone who loves to learn about new cultures and loves to indulge in new atmospheres, it is easy and exciting to meet new people who are different from myself. I think the ways you have addressed would help so much if that instance came along, however, including diversity in a business' agenda is not always the case.
Dave Slate
November 10, 2019 #19 AuthorOur recommendation for people who do survive the first day and then week, is to see through a whole year before making any decisions about whether to stay in the long-term. It is important to experience a full cycle of the business and its operations.
Similarly, the very early days in your own new business have many pressures, excitements and issues with which to deal. We have been there and are thriving; we can help you address the pressing problems and open closed doors.
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November 29, 2019 #20 AuthorThe difference between inherent diversity and acquired diversity is something I’ve never thought of, but when you consider the differences between different generations, for example, it makes sense. Thanks for sharing this.
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December 19, 2019 #21 AuthorKnow the diversity goals and vision of your organization and its connection to the overall business objectives
Maurice
January 8, 2020 #22 AuthorWhen closing out a team call or meeting, if the audience isn’t too large, ask how people plan to celebrate the holiday. Use your company’s intranet to help employees be aware of and keep track of multicultural religious or holiday celebrations. Be respectful of these days when scheduling meetings, and understand that employees may have different needs and require flexibility.
Mitogo
January 9, 2020 #23 Authorwe are all different each others but we are the same. I would emphasize that the term races should be remove in common language and I support the human. the term "race" has the connotation of competition and neglect other group. Therefore, let us support and value all humans regardless the color of their skin and recognize we are all one race, which it is human.
Thank you
Mitogo T. Opira, Diversity Supervisor
JBS FOODS -Plainwell, Michigan
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January 20, 2020 #24 AuthorYou know what? This is more common than we think, I work in construction in Canberra and we got lot of these happening in a daily basis, take for example a friend, George unsuccessfully applies for a position with a construction company. When he telephones the company’s personnel manager to ask why he did not get the position, George is told: ‘We’ve employed people from your country before. You lot simply don’t share our work ethic’.
Li-Huei unsuccessfully applies for a job as a receptionist with a large hotel. When she calls the human resources manager to ask why she did not get the job, she is told that the manager doesn’t want to employ a receptionist with an accent. Nobody knows George and Li, since they didn't make any report or share their stories, but yes it is there, happening.
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January 29, 2020 #25 AuthorGreat article. Ignore the naysayers
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January 30, 2020 #26 AuthorSome companies struggle to understand what D&I is or it’s potential value.
Others understand the subject but haven’t yet implemented or updated relevant policies.
Spurred by a growing social consciousness, businesses are slowing making a more concerted effort to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Ian Pundt
February 3, 2020 #27 AuthorAlways know the diversity goals and vision of your organization and its connection to the overall business objectives.
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February 3, 2020 #28 AuthorGreat article Robin, the workplace should be a great place.
Luke
February 6, 2020 #29 AuthorI am glad someone like you understands the employees' needs at work.
Nobody understands employee's sentiments but another employee.
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February 11, 2020 #30 AuthorDiversity and inclusion are nightmares for new employees. This article is such a big help, that there exist a community to help.
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February 25, 2020 #31 AuthorNot as easy as it sounds though,
George is told: ‘We’ve employed people from your country before. You lot simply don’t share our work ethic’.
Li-Huei unsuccessfully applies for a job as a receptionist with a large hotel. When she calls the human resources manager to ask why she did not get the job, she is told that the manager doesn’t want to employ a receptionist with an accent.
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February 25, 2020 #32 AuthorGlad that there are employers that have concerns with their employees. Adjustment is not easy. It takes time.
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February 28, 2020 #33 AuthorI think it's super important to try to learn about other cultures and where people come from! We all have a different worldview. If we try to understand and come together, we can do much more good than if we ignored it or only supported one way of thinking.
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March 1, 2020 #34 AuthorOne of the best tactics, albeit a pretty expensive one, is to set up a trip and travel abroad to a diverse culture. Travel expands the minds and emersing yourself in a new culture and opens you up to so many experiences.
Mark Peters
March 9, 2020 #35 AuthorThe landscaping business is notorious for not being very diverse in their celebrations or their choice of employees. As a representative of this industry, I am striving to take my company in a different direction. When we go to schedule any landscaping contracting jobs or lawn care jobs in Edinburg, TX I am making it my personal goal to reach out to every individual customer and asking what needs they have and to be sensitive to special holidays they may be celebrating! I know it's just one location and one business but if we all did this, we would make a larger impact!!
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March 12, 2020 #36 AuthorResearch shows that even just the presence of physical diversity results in better performance and for companies that are data-driven, that extra performance boost can be extremely motivating,” Clark says. “It’s also the fact that companies that lack diversity are being called out publicly, and may even be losing business, not to mention falling behind when it comes to recruiting. Even Google is starting to show signs that their lack of diversity is affecting them.
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March 17, 2020 #37 AuthorEngaging people at every level is the hallmark of good leaders in not only business but life. Great post!
-Chris
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March 17, 2020 #38 AuthorAwesome post!
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March 19, 2020 #39 AuthorI remember segregation. I remember race riots. All I can say as an old man who got tired of prejudice in this country is that I am so happy that this is now how the culture turned out. I am very proud of this country.
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March 22, 2020 #40 AuthorIn our company we have often found that diversity is exactly what creates progress. In a sales driven world we have to understand that not all people think the same way we do. In our own mind our ideas are best when what truly matters is what the customer thinks. Having diversity in the work place is what gives us that perspective and allows us to be the best employer and business we can be.
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March 24, 2020 #41 AuthorDiversity and inclusion is a company’s mission, strategies, and practices to support a diverse workplace and leverage the effects of diversity to achieve a competitive business advantage.
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April 14, 2020 #42 AuthorIt is important to strive to treat all individuals with mutual respect. Of course, this can be easier said than done, but through our service visiting customers' homes, we always do our very best to provide high quality care to each person, despite any background differences.
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April 28, 2020 #43 AuthorThank you for sharing. Diversity and Inclusion are so crucial to the success of any business. These tips are very valuable, I especially like #9, everyone should continue to improve, especially in this area.
Pat Fencer
May 13, 2020 #44 AuthorThe last thing a business owner wants to deal with is being accused of not having a diverse enough business. Be inclusive of all people and you'll have a successful business
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May 13, 2020 #45 AuthorDiversity is one of those things that I think is moving in the right direction, but especially at the upper levels of management is still something that needs to be mitigated. I think we should all be aware of cultural biases and strive to be more than what our base assumptions tell us to be. Great insightful post.
-Mike
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June 2, 2020 #46 AuthorThe last thing a business owner wants to deal with is being accused of not having a diverse enough business. Be inclusive of all people and you'll have a successful business and thanks
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June 17, 2020 #47 AuthorI love #9. We need to foster good environments around learning and growing. You can always learn something!
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July 11, 2020 #48 AuthorWe love all of our employees. We believe that if you can work you can work.
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July 15, 2020 #49 AuthorI think number 4 makes a lot of sense and we should definitely respect your co-workers and build better relationships, improving your work experience with them in the long run. Thank you for the great article!
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July 21, 2020 #50 AuthorThese are great pointers for businesses!!!! Love this article!
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July 30, 2020 #51 AuthorOut of the 10 ways, what I really like are the numbers 5, 8, and 10. Thank you for sharing this content and it is in deed very helpful especially if you can really see the diversity in your working environment.
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July 31, 2020 #52 AuthorI feel like we're continually finding parameters to divide ourselves by and creating all these group identities vying to be included in some way. When are we going to understand that we're all the same thing? We all breathe the same air, drink the same water, and are all ultimately compost. Why let your identity be defined by some random factor that you had no choice in assigning to your self (skin color, orientation, disability, etc…)?
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August 3, 2020 #53 AuthorNumber 5 is right on the spot, we need to try to put ourselves in other people shoes
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August 8, 2020 #54 AuthorAs a budding business owner these are incredibly important topics to consider. It's ironic how even 6 years after the article was first published we still struggle mightily with diversity and inclusion. Thank you!
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August 9, 2020 #55 AuthorThese are great pointers for businesses!!!! Love this article!
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August 9, 2020 #56 AuthorEngaging people at every level is the hallmark of good leaders in not only business but life. Great post!
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August 11, 2020 #57 AuthorAll 10 points are easily actionable – what a great article
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August 12, 2020 #58 AuthorI'm moved by this statement: Often, negative behavior comes from ignorance rather than malice. A willingness to educate can go along way.
Anyway, thank you for stating those 10 remarkable points. That's all what we need.
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August 12, 2020 #59 AuthorEducation is key. People are underestimating its compound effect.
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August 21, 2020 #60 AuthorRealistic optimism, She has everything that a good quality of CEO should have.
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August 30, 2020 #61 AuthorPossessing the ability to adapt to diverse backgrounds and skillsets can be a huge asset. When work environments promote collaboration adapting to work will others can be a great tool.
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August 31, 2020 #62 AuthorTotally agree that education is one of the most important things in life.
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September 15, 2020 #63 AuthorThis was my favorite truth – "Often, negative behavior comes from ignorance rather than malice". A positive attitude for progressive growth and learning. I appreciate your article.
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September 17, 2020 #64 AuthorWhy bother with the notion of inclusiveness and I say notion because the newly appointed Judge will soon tear it down with guidance from #45. Any strides made will soon disappear.
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September 24, 2020 #65 AuthorEducation is key to life itself for everyone.
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September 24, 2020 #66 Authorofcourse education is a most powerful tool fo the development of oneself
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September 29, 2020 #67 AuthorWe employ people from all walks of life. I am glad I took the time to read this as it is a reminder about how to find and keep the best employees
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October 1, 2020 #68 AuthorDiverse and inclusive companies drive innovative results. Yet the tech industry still struggles with diversity and inclusion, often failing to attract diverse talent due to inclusivity issues in the workplace. For organizations looking to shape up their diversity and inclusion programs and policies, the change can be challenging — and rewarding.
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October 6, 2020 #69 AuthorExcellent Blog! hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. I Thanks for sharing. Great websites!
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October 13, 2020 #70 AuthorGreat companies aren't afraid of diversity. They embrace the diverse opinions that come with it and how that innovation can help drive positive results in the future.
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October 19, 2020 #71 AuthorThank you for bringing up this topic. I really think that diversity is important in a company. Doesn't matter how big a company is. Get out of the comfort zone and have employees with different background. It's really interesting to hear from other sides.
Anthony Dietrich
October 19, 2020 #72 AuthorI have read your article..Great content .. Thanks for posting it.
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November 9, 2020 #73 AuthorLove this. My company does do a good job in making it known they're diverse but having an executable plan makes it all the best. To be honest, diversity is super helpful. It brings out different experiences from different people – that's the good part. It teaches people how to interact, work and grow from those who grew up differently.
Dr. Lisa Rogers
November 9, 2020 #74 AuthorLove this
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November 16, 2020 #75 AuthorThank you for your recommendation about how employees can support diversity and inclusion. This will be helpful since most of the companies are experiencing a lot of employee turnover or attrition. In this way, it can be minimized. In handyman services Delaware, employees are involved as well as our clients in reaching our goal that is to provide the best handyman service.
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November 21, 2020 #76 AuthorDefinitely supportive of diversity, and all that it's suppose to do. We aim to hire and work with all qualified individuals among various backgrounds for our auto detailing company. It makes us appreciate of what we can learn from others.
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November 23, 2020 #77 AuthorI have been trying to figure out how to do this better within my own tree service business, you bring up some key points. Thank you.
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November 23, 2020 #78 AuthorVery good info
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November 29, 2020 #79 AuthorGreat article! As the owner of a concrete company in Olathe, KS I can absolutely relate to this. Building a positive and sustainable culture as a business actually isn't hard. Treat people as equals, with respect and dignity while compensating them fairly for their skills. I love my team, they are some of the most loyal and hard working humans I have ever been around or had the luxury to work with.
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November 30, 2020 #80 Author"Commit to continuous improvement. Be willing to learn, accept feedback, and listen to the concerns of those around you. Even the most enlightened individual can find opportunities for growth"
This is so true. We have to accept feedback to grow!
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December 27, 2020 #81 AuthorChoosing a positive attitude is one of the most powerful things we can take.
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January 7, 2021 #82 AuthorHumbleness and willingness to learn is one way to support diversity.