DEI. And an additional initial: B. Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are in the forefront of business operations these days — whether it’s because consumers are evidencing concern for supporting it through their spending habits, or because younger generations are making it a point of their choice of where to work, or because business leadership has decided it’s the “right thing to do.”
These reasons and more are why U.S. companies spent approximately $8 billion on DEI. Their investment illustrates the increasing capital allocation and importance of DEI initiatives among companies. DEI is a heartfelt mission that drives bottom-line results. It is one that is undertaken by organizational leaders, board members, internal DEI directors and DEI teams. Working with them are experienced DEI external consultants who are able to “go deep” to identify pain points, needs, solutions and opportunities. As long as there is racism, homophobia and all of the other “isms” that harm, separate and divide, there will be a need for change. In the workplace, DEI has the capacity to facilitate change that then can cascade out to community. It is a journey, not a destination, and there is great value in working with a DEI consultant who can assist companies on their way.
A year ago, In Business Magazine explored in-depth the concept of DEI and programs for businesses to implement. In this month’s edition, select businesses in a cross-section of our business community share what they are doing, how they are doing it and how it impacts their operations and outcomes.
In determining results — of DEI or any other course of action — organizations measure metrics against specified parameters. But too much reliance on metrics may create other blind spots. Rick Grimaldi addresses this in terms of building a workforce. As he discusses in feature article “Don’t Let Metrics Myopia Drive Away Your Talent,” productivity hinges on more than numbers.
And speaking of talent pool, Consumer Cellular took an out-of-the-box approach to hiring that really engages its target consumer, which CEO Ed Evans shares in a Briefs article.
Candie Guay gives us a fresh look at marketing in her article “Seven Ways Social Media Can Revitalize Small Business Competition,” Don Henninger makes “The Business Case for Volunteering” in his guest column, and Sam Johnson shares tips to help businesses “Maintain Company Morale in Times of Uncertainty” in the Roundtable feature. Plus, there is the usual range of informative content in the regular departments such as Healthcare, Technology and Startups.
I’m pleased to be a part of this edition of In Business Magazine and bringing you this relevant resource for business.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joel (JP) Martin
President
Positively Powerful™ Triad West, Inc.
Joel P. Martin, Ph.D., president of Triad West Inc., has more than 30 years’ experience as a DEI specialist. She is considered “a genuine genius in her approach to transformation” and one of “the best in the nation for delivering breakthrough leadership performance and organizational change.” DEI is her lived experience and her life’s work. Her commitment to creating transformational, inclusive, aligned and successful organizations has taken her before Fortune 500 leaders and business owners internationally.
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