Many companies are beginning to push for and prioritize diversity in their workplace. This is fantastic, but we can’t stop there. Here’s why you need diverse leadership in your business.
You’ll Hear Valuable Perspectives
Different backgrounds and experiences allow for new and innovative ideas. These ideas will make your workplace environment richer and more vibrant and allow your business to reach new audiences.
It’s also extremely important to have minority voices present while you make major public-facing decisions. Think of all the marketing blunders or product designs that perpetuate racist or homophobic stereotypes.
Companies could have prevented these harmful choices if there had been a BIPOC or LGBTQ individual in the room, able to point out harmful rhetoric or imagery before it left the drawing room floor. However, it’s not enough to have them there—they must feel that executives will value and act upon their opinion and that they won’t receive negative repercussions for speaking out.
You’ll Create a Safer, More Welcoming Environment
An executive who is a part of a minority group understands the importance and needs of employees who are in minority groups. This is essential.
Leadership that understands the actual needs of their diverse staff will put in place policies that support and protect diversity.
Choosing an executive team lacking minority voices means neglecting the needs of minority employees or wasting time and resources implementing policies that look performative in nature and don’t meet the needs of your staff.
Because of the effective policies that a diverse executive team can make, the company overall will end up with a more diverse population. Many LGBTQ or neurodivergent folks hide their true selves due to fear of harassment and unfair treatment; a policy deeming this behavior unacceptable will cause a gargantuan increase in workplace safety.
Additionally, many individuals today won’t apply to companies that don’t value diversity. The younger generations are especially good at spotting performative activism, so don’t think including your one Black or female employee in every website photo will cut it.
In short, not genuinely valuing diversity will cause you to miss out on the top candidates for the role that can make up your dream team.
You’ll Motivate Your Staff
Seeing someone like you in a leadership role is inspiring; it creates the possibility that one day, you could fill a similar role. This possibility sparks employee ambitions, motivating them to work harder and achieve higher.
One of the main ways for people to feel motivated in their roles is to be led and guided by people they can see themselves in.
With truly diverse leadership, it is much easier to ensure that your team feels motivated and encouraged, it also reassures your employees that leadership understands and prioritizes their needs. Knowing that someone like them is looking out for them is invaluable.
Hiring Diverse Leadership
So you understand why you need diverse leadership in your business. How do you find qualified individuals who want to work with you? Finding diverse executive-level talent means eliminating bias within yourself and your organization.
It’s also important to affirm that you aren’t hiring them to fulfill a diversity quota—you need their valuable experience and perspective to make your company the best it can be. Assure them that you will value and respect their voice at your company, and soon, you’ll have candidates from all different backgrounds wanting to interview with you.
Learn about product-led growth metholody and how it can help your business to grow.
* Written by Felicia Priedel, Publishing Coordinator at Logical Position
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by Fashinnovation’s columnists are their own, not those of Fashinnovation.
