The truth about DEI committees…. DEI committees have the potential to be a force for good but when they get it wrong, they can end up isolating the very employees they're trying to support. A common misconception is that being from an underrepresented background automatically makes you a good candidate for the DEI committee. I can relate because I was clueless about DEI but was asked to spearhead it in companies I joined. Like me, most people have no intention of joining, they often say yes out of fear or feeling like they’re letting people down if they don’t. But you join and wholeheartedly go into it believing you can make a difference. But then your ideas get shut down because DEI discussions happen in a DEI silo. Even worse, you’re now branded by colleagues or the boss as too ‘woke’. Suddenly, you feel isolated when the whole point is to make you (and people like you) feel more included. So, if you feel your DEI committee is too woke. Please remember they probably joined the company just wanting to do their job in Sales, Operations or Tech and go home. They probably had no intention of being the spokesperson of DEI. They are just trying to help.
Joey Webster
9mo
Danielle Antoinette Bowman really appreciate you sharing your story. 1st of all I want our term “woke “ Back and restored to its original definition. 😂😂 I’m tired of it being used incorrectly. In my work, I have noticed the same thing. There are companies that will attempt to create a DEI department, and then just throw people into the role because of their ethnic background which is unfair to that employee, and to the communities that need that support. Additionally, makes it even more challenging because often the departments are created, but given limited resources to your point.. The change has to happen from the top down. The Ceo has to be bought in. C suite has To be bought in., Hiring managers have to be 100% bought in. One small team cannot change an entire organization by themselves let alone educate the rest of the company on best practices without the proper support. Thanks again for sharing your story and let us know how we can help you at OneTen
Stephen Burrell
9mo
And there are DEI Advocates like myself who have world-class experience in DEI, and would happily come into the "above named" organisations to facilitate their DEI initiatives. Just send me a message, and we can arrange a confidential meeting (in-person or online) 🙏🏾
Managing Consultant - Product, Growth & GTM 🌱
9moSuch a good post, its a tricky one because as someone who has often asked to be on DEI committees in most roles I've always said yes out of obligation, and then most times not really had any idea what I was doing or how to support DEI initiatives properly. But then I did want to help, so its difficult. Maybe the answer is being super intentional with the objectives of your comittee and providing training/support to make sure that its done properly 🤷♀️