Authentic Leadership in DEI: HR Webinar Takeaways

By TERRA Staffing Group

Posted on May 7, 2024

What does it really mean to lead authentically and how can that help drive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace? 

Yemi Akisanya, Senior Executive and Vice President of Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI) and People Experience at Axon, explored this question during a recent HR HotSpot webinar.  

During the webinar, Yemi provided strategies and insights for leaders and HR professionals looking to foster a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to be successful.  

5 key takeaways to help foster a more inclusive workplace:

1. Diversity is multidimensional  

Yemi reminded us that diversity isn’t just about what we can see. It includes a wide range of traits, from where we’re from and the languages we speak, to our education and even our personalities. Embracing this broader view of diversity can help us appreciate and utilize the unique backgrounds and perspectives everyone brings to the table.

2. Inclusion is crucial for team success

The webinar also highlighted how inclusion isn’t just about having diverse individuals in the team; it’s about actively engaging their diverse perspectives to enhance decision-making and innovation. When people feel valued and are able to contribute their best work, the whole team benefits from a stronger sense of belonging and increased productivity. 

3. Understanding equity vs. equality

Yemi took time to explain the differences between equity and equality using the metaphor of an apple tree tilted to one side. Providing the same size ladder to everyone (equality) does not necessarily mean everyone will be able to reach the apples. Equity means acknowledging individual needs and making adjustments so everyone can reach the apples.  

4. Making the business case for DEI

A standout point of the webinar was the importance of tying DEI efforts to business outcomes. According to Yemi, integrating DEI into business strategies isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s smart business. It leads to better decisions, a workplace that mirrors the diverse market, and ultimately, stronger results. 

5. The role of authentic leadership

True leadership comes from being genuine. Yemi highlighted that leaders who are true to their own values while respecting others’ can build transparent, empathetic, and trusting teams. This kind of leadership is essential for fostering an environment where everyone feels safe to express themselves. 

Navigating DEI implementation can be complex. If you are interested in deepening your understanding of DEI or are looking to explore other leadership and management tools and strategies, feel free to explore our Employer Resource Center.

There you will find a variety of webinars and resources on topics relevant to HR and business leaders.  

For a deeper dive into DEI insights or for more practical tips, view the full webinar below. 

 

Categories: Staffing Tips & Recruiting Trends

Tags: Authentic Leadership, DEI, hr, Leadership Advice

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