Open Source Summit + ELC North America 2019

A diversity initiative will never succeed without having a strong, curious and inclusive environment. How can companies develop a strategy that fosters diversity and inclusion in every sense of the word? It starts with first understanding our own bias.

Bias is not inherently bad. The danger is not in the word “Bias” but in the unconscious and unaware way that it controls our thoughts and behavior as it relates to someone, something or some idea we don’t know. It’s how you apply your bias that either makes it positive or negative. We must first understand those unconscious biases that drive our in-group/out-group mentalities. Then we can begin to consciously choose to build more inclusive workplaces through tactical, daily behaviors and interactions.

Talent builds companies. It’s their number one asset. Candidates want to actually envision themselves working there every day and being successful. The only way to experience that is for companies to authentically be that, and tell that story.