Qualities of a successful DEI Leader

Strong leadership is the backbone of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the workplace. Without the right leaders steering the ship, DEI programs can fall flat. DEI leaders must possess some distinct traits and skills that help them navigate the ever-evolving and challenging space of DEI.

Here is a list of attributes of DEI leaders that would make them more effective.

Resilience

DEI leaders must be able face adverse situations with equanimity. They must display resilience in trying times. Issues related to diversity need to be handled sensitively. A resilient DEI leader will bring much needed stability in times of crisis and conflict and inspire his team to do the same. They will also be able to manage any disruption in the external environment and mitigate a ripple effect within the organization.

Authenticity

Employees are exposed to the words and actions of leaders and pick up on inauthenticity easily. DEI leaders need to be genuinely invested in the DEI causes they champion. Their humility and thoughtfulness should shine through. Only authentic leaders will be able to truly connect with their diverse workforce and empathize with their struggles. 

Optimism

DEI leaders should have a clear and optimistic vision for the organization. They should be able to envision exactly where they see the organization in a few years time. An effective DEI leader would also be able to translate this vision into achievable milestones and communicate them effectively to the workforce. An optimistic outlook will also help in developing out of the box solutions for unprecedented challenges that might arise.

Self-awareness

A self-aware leader would be cognizant of their own unconscious biases. Only someone who understands how subtle yet damaging unconscious biases can be, can identify and address them in a work environment. Defensiveness is commonly observed in matters related to diversity and inclusion. A self-aware leader would also be open to admitting their mistakes and assumptions instead of getting defensive. Employees would trust a self-aware DEI leader to make impartial decisions on important issues.

Ability to integrate 

A good DEI leader would integrate diverse perspectives with ease. They would be able to navigate situations of conflict and bring about a consensus by considering different points of views fairly. They would be able to transform conflict into collaboration and cooperation to work towards a common goal. 

Action-oriented

A true DEI leader should be driven by action. With diversity and inclusion, there is a tendency to pay lip service to vague ideas instead of building concrete practical plans. A good leader will be able to see through the haze and focus on tangible action items that will have a positive impact on the lives of employees. They work towards motivating others and leverage differences to promote innovation. A DEI leader would be a voice for marginalized groups and work tirelessly to create a safe and equitable working environment.

Organizations commonly choose a person from a marginalized group to be a DEI leader with the notion that they would understand the diversity problems plaguing the firm better. However, it is important to remember that a DEI leader who does not possess the above-mentioned qualities will not be a successful leader irrespective of the color of their skin or their ethnicity.

What other leadership traits would make a successful DEI leader?

Let us know in the comments.