The buzz words of diversity and inclusion mask behaviours which can have profound psychological impact. However, businesses need to understand what is going on in their organisations, as tackling this can deliver real competitive advantage. Given the sensitivity and challenging nature of this, real “people expertise” is required to ensure initiatives are not just ticking a box and delivering real sustained change. As a qualified psychotherapist, I know that certain attitudes and behaviours result from complex emotional factors and life experiences and turning these around requires an equally complex set of professional interventions. Targeting key influencers and managers to not only confront their own unconscious bias but also enrich their people skills will be of benefit to all employees. Ensuring minority groups are properly supported and enabled to flourish (often forgotten in diversity initiatives) will maximise chances of success.
The Co-Thinking Company 