Belonging: Creating Psychological Safety, Managing a Diverse Workforce & Supporting the Team

Current research has revealed that most of the DEI programs of the last several decades are ineffective and yield few results. Traditionally programs focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by addressing patterns of bias that created inequities in our culture, including our workplace environments. These efforts focused on groups that have been historically discriminated against.

Eliminating bias from our workplaces must be done using a broader holistic approach. This approach should include training and education, development of a team based on a Bias Elimination Plan (BEP), coaching and conflict resolution, and a plan for measuring results. These efforts are focused on all personnel, because all personnel should feel they belong.

It all begins with education sessions to develop a common objective for the organization. That objective is (1) that every employee deserves to feel like they belong and are an important part of the organization; and (2), every employee is entitled to authentic equal access to opportunities within the organization. The inherent challenge is educating every team member on the existence of bias in virtually every organization in the systems of hiring, advancement, work assignment distribution, and leadership opportunities. This session begins this process without placing blame or identifying participants as part of the problem. The DEB subject is approached positively with a focus on the future; because the future is all we can successfully change.