I was recently asked by Amex Business Insights & Trends to provide some insight on “How Creating a Diverse Workforce that Embraces Inclusion Can Make Your Company More Competitive” and specifically as it relates to the LGBTQIA community.
Here were some of my do’s:
Make it part of the normal. Meaning, just like for my family going to church every Sunday, we don't make it anything other than part of what we do on Sunday. We get up, get dressed, listen to music on the way to church, worship, go to brunch and discuss the message. Same with supporting the LGBTQIA community. Make it part of the business, part of work life, part of what you do. Get up, support one another, talk positivity about the community and be a part of the group.
Tie goals of an employee resource group to the business with a strong business case. I do think it's important to keep track of the hard work that goes into an employee resource group and show how they are positivity affecting the overall company. Positive results will continue to demonstrate value of that group and that overall, drives support of the LGBTQIA community.Know your strengths and your gifts and use them!
If you are a confident person, be an ally. Be an advocate. Be a voice for others that cannot. If you are not comfortable being a voice then as least be kind, don't find yourself in conversations that are hurtful and don't contribute to anything that might appear to be negative.
