Mike Honious’ Post

Diversity of thought, perspective, and experience are key drivers of successful inclusion and diversity initiatives. Leaders can tap into a wealth of insights from staff and community members, regardless of their background. People's diverse lived experiences offer invaluable perspectives for fostering an inclusive culture. For instance, individuals, irrespective of their ethnicity or orientation, who have been immersed in different communities bring unique viewpoints. A White individual raised in a Black or Asian neighborhood can provide valuable insights into these communities' lifestyles, thoughts, and perceptions, benefiting areas like customer service. Similarly, individuals with international exposure or military service backgrounds offer rich perspectives. Leveraging such diverse experiences is instrumental in cultivating an inclusive organizational culture.

Leading with pride! This month of June, Hays is celebrating Pride Month with the theme “Leading with Pride,” where we will be talking about the importance of creating a culture of belonging and encouraging everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. We recognise the importance of making today’s and tomorrow’s workplace the best it can be - one where everyone can thrive. It’s crucial for managers to observe and encourage diversity and inclusion, ensuring that the workplace is a safe space for all. As role models, we need to set an example of what it means to be an ally, demonstrating our commitment to inclusion.   And this commitment extends beyond June. Standing up for equal opportunities and diversity means more than just posting a rainbow flag. An open and accepting culture, where discrimination has no place, should be the standard for all organisations. Diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a business necessity. We require employees with diverse values, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Achieving this involves actively creating a working environment that allows employees to authentically express themselves and reach their full potential. Pride Month serves as a reminder of these principles.  #Pride #hays #HaysPrideMonth #LeadingWithPride #CEO #Hays

What if I told you your organization can achieve diversity, unity, and belonging by building your culture on two pillars? If either of these pillars is missing, the bridge collapses. The first pillar you must have is intentionality. The second pillar you must have is hospitality. Intentionality says, "we will make concerted efforts to fairly recruit and retain underrepresented (unfamiliar) stakeholders." Hospitality says, "we will create a culture of self-sacrifice, kindness, and compassion where all people feel respected and valued." In this type of organization, everybody thrives and there's minimal hostility toward racial differences. Simple, but not easy.

Many speak about diversity and we know that bringing different backgrounds and experiences help teams reach the most optimal outcomes. But those are just words.   Diversity means so much more to me – it’s led to personal and professional growth. As we celebrate World Day for Cultural Diversity – I am proud to be among a 30-member team that includes more than 18 nationalities, 10 languages and 400 years of combined experience. Everyone brings a different perspective to the table, and that is what helps us – as a team – reach new heights.   Being one doesn’t mean being the same. It means accepting the differences and coming together.

Diversity is more than just a buzzword—it's a vital aspect of our modern society. It is about acknowledging and valuing the differences that make each of us unique. It's about creating a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Embracing diversity is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic advantage that enriches our communities and organizations. By fostering inclusive environments, we can harness the full potential of our diverse world, creating spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Let’s commit to celebrating our differences and building a more inclusive future together.

What a week to be talking about Belonging. The work of building cultures of belonging in our workplaces has new significance as we see the negative consequences of division every day in the news and on our socials. This week we ran a Belonging workshop with the team at Settle. We explored the importance of creating environments that genuinely allow everyone to fully participate, show up authentically, and unlock the power of diversity in their team. As an organisation working with a community that often feels that they don't belong, getting this right internally matters greatly. We explored what could be done to ensure a safe, open culture, how to break down barriers of professionalism, what it means to work with multiple truths and the importance of sharing our stories that demonstrate how we live belonging at work when trying to attract a wider range of people to join our team. Thanks to everyone who attended the day and gave it their full energy!

Join us for ‘Let’s Solve: Inclusive Engagement’, presented by Akwekon and led by Michael Maracle-Polak and Keisha Turner on February 27th, 2024. This is a pivotal opportunity for teams seeking to deepen their understanding and foster inclusive environments. Three reasons to sign-up your team 🙌🏾🙌🏼🙌🏿 1️⃣ Learn from Diverse Perspectives: Gain invaluable insights directly from Black and Indigenous leaders. Michael and Keisha bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, providing an authentic learning experience that goes beyond the conventional. 2️⃣ Foster Inclusive Engagement: This event is specifically designed to equip teams with the tools and strategies needed to create more inclusive and respectful workplaces. Understand the nuances of engagement across different cultures and communities. 3️⃣ Network and Collaborate: Engage with a diverse group of professionals and leaders. This event is not just about learning; it’s about building connections and collaborating to create solutions that respect and incorporate diverse perspectives. Don’t miss this chance to transform your team’s approach to diversity and inclusion. Sign up for ‘Let’s Solve: Inclusive Engagement’ and be part of a meaningful change. ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e5HnXHrM

🌍 Celebrating World Day for Cultural Diversity in Manufacturing! 🌍 At the Manufacturing Alliance, we recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is needed to fuel growth in the manufacturing sector. On this World Day for Cultural Diversity, we celebrate skilled workers of all cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives that drive our sector forward. #WorldDiversityDay #CulturalDiversity #InclusiveManufacturing #InnovationThroughDiversity

Diversity in the Olympics has a profound impact on workplace diversity, serving as a powerful catalyst for change. When athletes from varied backgrounds come together on a global stage, they showcase the strength that different perspectives and experiences bring to a team. This visibility highlights the value of diversity in achieving excellence, fostering innovation, and overcoming challenges. In turn, organizations are inspired to embrace diverse talent pools, understanding that a range of perspectives can drive creativity and performance. By celebrating and integrating diverse experiences, both the Olympics and the workplace benefit from enriched collaboration and broader problem-solving approaches. 🥇

In our journey through different workplaces, I've witnessed firsthand the power of diversity and inclusion: ↳ Diverse teams that bring varied perspectives to problem-solving, ↳ Inclusive policies that ensure everyone feels valued and respected, ↳ Cultures that celebrate differences and foster a sense of belonging. These elements are crucial not just for enhancing team dynamics but also for driving innovation and reflecting the global market in our daily operations. Such environments encourage us to bring our whole selves to work, increasing engagement, productivity, and respect for one another. That's why I admire and respect people like Jaya Mallik, M. Ed., Elvi Caperonis, and Suzy Choi who are bringing this change in today's society. How has diversity and inclusion shaped your professional experiences? Drop a comment below!