Suggested Steps for a Successful Diversity Initiative

•   Definition of Diversity
• (For example, Coleman Management Consultants’ definition is “Reaching organizational objectives by maximizing the contributions of individuals from every segment of the employee population.”)…how it relates to your business mission
  
• Charter/mission of Diversity Committee/Council
• Establish norms for effective meeting behavior
• Education of committee members
  
• Strategic plan with goals and timelines for actualizing the committee’s mission
  
•   Senior Management Commitment to Diversity
• Communicates and works with the Diversity committee/council
• Visible to the broader organization
  
• Communication plan that shares information and accomplishments, increasing the committees visibility with both senior management and employees
  
• A climate study that allows the committee to understand:

• Current employee attitudes
• How supportive is the current culture versus corporate mission
• New policies and practices to consider
• Skill level of management team
• Where to establish major starting points for future progress evaluations

• Research Best Practices
  
• A plan to include others, both management and employees, in the organization’s Diversity efforts
  
•   Executive Diversity training and action steps
  
•   A plan for coordinating internal and external Diversity activities  

• A process for rotating members on and off of the Diversity Committee/council and appointing leadership  

• A plan to train managers and employees on Diversity awareness, responsibilities and skills  

• Develop a process for progress evaluation  

• Reinforcement follow-up programs and training
  

Important Components of a Diversity Initiative 

• Management commitment, leadership and support  

• Integration of diversity initiatives into business and organizational objectives  

• Communication and continuing dialogue among all employees  

• Education and Training  

• Accountability with consequences, especially for senior and middle management  

• Employee involvement  

• Measurements of initiatives  

• Line-driven initiatives  

• Inclusive definition of diversity  

• Culture change  

• Clear diversity vision and objectives  

• Access to decision making and decision makers  

• Champions of diversity at all levels  

• Resources  

• Strong recruitment, retention and promotion efforts