The PLUS Equation: Diversity + Inclusion = Innovation
My latest panel discussion brought me to Chicago where I was honored to be part of the 2009 Professional Liability Underwriting Society's (PLUS) International Conference. This conference—like so many I've attended recently—had as part of its focus a panel discussion on diversity, inclusion, and innovation (as they have for several years). Given our economic challenges, one could certainly expect a drop-off in attention paid to diversity and inclusion initiatives by finance and insurance industries. However, our audience of underwriting leaders, led by panel chair Corbette Doyle of Vanderbilt University, proved that the diversity journey is very much on their collective mind. Changes in workplace demographics, expanding markets, and redoubled efforts to attract the best and brightest continue to drive their diversity and inclusion activities.
Thanks to research and first-hand experience, organizations across all industries are increasingly tuned into the reality that inclusion leads to engagement and engagement leads to innovation. Now we are past the "what" and "why" and focusing on the "how." This is guidance leaders are seeking and I am excited and gratified to share our approach.
Diversity should be present throughout an organization, but true inclusion begins in the C-suite, with leaders who are committed to the full engagement and development of all employees. As I've stated before, leaders and managers must create environments in which people advance because they have been given opportunities to increase in their capacity and contribution. When considering the "how" in your organization, include these five steps:
Take personal responsibility for the initiative
Assess needs an formulate a specific plan
Set clear expectations and create a system of accountability
Create measures to assess progress
Provide resources and appropriate infrastructure
What are your organization's best practices for the "how" of inclusion?
Click here for additional coverage of the PLUS event from National Underwriter.
