Diversity in Leadership: Why it Matters and How to Achieve it?

By Hector Payne, Chief Learning Officer, Alpha Development

Diversity in leadership has been a hot topic for several years, but it’s become even more critical in recent times. With increasing awareness of systemic racism and discrimination, there’s a growing recognition that we need to do more to ensure that our leaders are representative of the communities they serve. In this blog post, we’ll explore why diversity in leadership matters, and offer some suggestions for how to achieve it.

Why Diversity in Leadership Matters?
It promotes a wider range of perspectives. Diversity in leadership means having individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, genders, and experiences at the decision-making table. This can lead to a wider range of perspectives being considered when making important decisions. A diverse leadership team is more likely to consider a range of options and produce innovative solutions to problems.

It helps build a more inclusive culture. Having a diverse leadership team helps build a more inclusive culture within an organisation. When employees see people like themselves represented in leadership positions, they feel valued and included. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, better employee engagement, and improved retention rates.

It drives better business outcomes. Research has shown that companies with diverse leadership teams perform better financially. A McKinsey study found that companies with more diverse executive teams had higher profitability and were more likely to achieve above-average financial performance.

How to Achieve Diversity in Leadership

• Set diversity goals.
  Leadership teams should set diversity goals that align with their overall business objectives. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. For example, a goal might be to increase the percentage of women in leadership positions by 50% within the next two years.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity.
  Leadership teams should foster a culture of inclusivity by promoting open communication, encouraging diverse perspectives, and valuing all employees. This can be achieved through training programs, mentorship programs, and employee resource groups.
• Expand recruitment efforts.
  Leadership teams should expand their recruitment efforts to attract a diverse pool of candidates. This might include partnering with diverse professional organizations, attending diversity job fairs, and reviewing job descriptions to ensure they are inclusive.
• Implement blind hiring practices.
  Leadership teams can implement blind hiring practices, such as removing names and other identifying information from resumes and applications. This helps to reduce unconscious bias in the hiring process and ensures that candidates are selected based on their skills and qualifications.

In conclusion, diversity in leadership matters for several reasons, including promoting a wider range of perspectives, building a more inclusive culture, and driving better business outcomes. To achieve diversity in leadership, organisations should set diversity goals, foster a culture of inclusivity, expand recruitment efforts, and implement blind hiring practices. By doing so, they can create a more diverse and inclusive workplace that benefits everyone.