DIVERSITY DISCOURSE SERIES
How Can Your DEI Program Make a Real Difference?
Engaged — the surprising relevance of the Six Degrees of Executive Presence to your Diversity program
What it Means
Engaged. This is when you are giving attention to something.
You know what is going on and are there to respond as needed.
When the level of difficulty is high, people look to leadersship that cares and knows what is going on. This encourages people to provide input, raise issues, and keep pushing.
Things to Consider
For DEI programs, who and what are you engaging with? For example, if turnout is low to diversity events, ask yourself what might get people more engaged? Or you could ask the opposite question. Why are some people disengaged or even hostile toward your efforts?
When it comes to management, how are you engaging with them? What are their priorities and how does your work dovetail with these? And if it is not immediately apparent to them, how to you bridge that gap of understanding or create a better alignment?
It’s like the difference between driving on a dry, smooth road where the car can really move due to the great traction vs. spinning your wheels and sliding dangerously because the gravel makes it difficult for the tires to grip the pavement.
Your Turn
In the comments, please share your ideas about what DEI programs can do to be more engaged. You don’t need to be an underrepresented professional, a Diversity Professional, or any sort of expert to weigh in. You just need to understand what it means to be engaged and have a perspective on the current and future state of diversity in your organization and society.
In Action
To clearly see the difference when someone goes from disengaged to really engaged, check out what happens when Miracle Max fully engages with the mission that Westley, Inigo and Fezzik are on.
Sonny, true love is the greatest thing in the world — except for a nice MLT — mutton, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, where the mutton is nice and lean and the tomatoes are ripe.
Next week, we’ll explore Confidence.
As you wish,
Joe Kwon, the Connection Counselor
Learn more
This article was adapted from the new leadership book, Unlock Your Executive Presence: Feel like a Boss. To find out more about Executive Presence and access free leadership videos, podcasts, and guides, go to www.connectioncounselor.com.
New release! Try the brand new course Executive Presence and the Diversity Dilemma on Udemy.com. It’s the only course that not only teaches you how to generate Executive Presence, but provides strategies specifically for underrepresented professionals. Check out the preview today!
As the Connection Counselor, Joe Kwon helps busy professionals elevate their careers by teaching them how to connect to anyone, anytime, anywhere. His emphasis is on practical learning, delivered in an entertaining, heartfelt, and inclusive manner.
An acclaimed coach and keynote speaker with over 20 years of experience in Corporate America, his goal is to help you unlock the best version of yourself.
Joe holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Virginia (Go Hoos!), a law degree from Georgetown University (Hoya Saxa!), and lives in New Jersey with his wife and son.
