Diversity and Inclusion: The Business Case 2013 research found that almost all leaders polled believe diversity and inclusion can boost business performance. However, many organizations say their inability to find enough women, people of color and other diverse groups to fill positions is a problem. What is the Real Problem? They don’t know where to look.

1. www.marvrussell.com
marv@marvrussell.com
312.315.7737
EXPERIENCE
• 25+ years in Corporate Leadership Experience
• HR Consultant, Author, Speaker
• Leadership Coach
• Student-Athlete Performance Coach
• Former Notre Dame Linebacker and
Member of the National Championship Team
Diversity and Inclusion
The Business Case for Success
copyright Marv Russell Enterprises

2. What Will We Learn Today?
• What do we need to understand?
• What do we need to know?
• What do we need to do differently?
• How do we hold ourselves and the
organization accountable?
copyright Marv Russell Enterprises

3. Understanding Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity
Race
Age
Origins
Gender
Disabilities
Orientation
New Thinking
New Ideas
New Cultures
Change
CULTURE
Habits
Attitudes
Beliefs
Intuitions
Traditions
Scotoma
InclusionInclusion
CULTURE
Evolves
Sustainable
INCLUSIONINCLUSION
Race
Age
Origins
Gender
Disabilities
Orientation
New Thinking
New Ideas
New Cultures
Change
DIVERSITY
DIVERSITY
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4. Diversity Data
The Facts are Clear
PROJECTIONS:
By 2050, Latino and Asian populations will double,
and the Black population will grow by 71%.
The US will attract 1 million immigrants a year,
most of Latino or Asian origin.
By 2030, 1 in 4 US residents will be Latino or
Asian.
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5. Diversity and Inclusion
The Business Case
1. Ensuring the organization is able to compete in
the rapidly evolving marketplace
2. Client retention, increased employee
engagement, business growth, higher employee
productivity, and a greater ability to recruit and
retain talent
3. Women and people of color represent a majority
of the individuals entering into today’s workforce
Can You Find Them and Can You Retain Them?
copyright Marv Russell Enterprises

6. The Business Case Challenge
2013 research found that almost all leaders polled believe
diversity and inclusion can boost business performance.
However, many organizations say their inability to find
enough women, people of color and other diverse groups to
fill positions is a problem.
What is the Real Problem?
They don’t know where to look.
copyright Marv Russell Enterprises

7. Benefits of Workforce Diversity & Inclusion
 Improved understanding of those you work with and serve
 Creates a work environment that allows everyone to reach
their full potential
 Provides multiple perspectives on problem solving
 Better performance outcomes
 Increases employee productivity
 Increased retention rates
 Boosts employee morale
 Improved customer relations
 Reduces complaints and grievances
 It’s the right thing to do!

8. A Quick Exercise
What are the barriers that prohibit
your organization from achieving a
Diverse and Inclusive environment?
copyright Marv Russell Enterprises

9. What Really Works? What is Needed?
Strong, consistent voice and action from the top
Holding people accountable
Create the right space and environment for
authentic, real, inclusive and free dialogue
Engagement Surveys and Metrics
Define long term goals and how to get there
Linking D&I to performance, reward and recognition
copyright Marv Russell Enterprises

10. Your Mission and Diversity
How are they related?
• Diversity is commitment to building a workplace
collaboration of cultures to enhance and support the
organization.
• Differences in experience, education, geography, language
and perspective are treated as value-added contributions
rather than distractions.
• The organization has a series of values that supports its
mission. The mission is the public commitment to the type
of work the organization engages. Diversity and Inclusion
is one important way the organization will live out its
mission. copyright Marv Russell Enterprises

11. If You Really Care
If You Really Believe
If You Really Are Committed
Recommendations
Living Your Mission and Diversity
copyright Marv Russell Enterprises

12. Establish a Visible Leadership
Commitment
1. Define Your Commitment
• Achieve What?
• Measure What?
• Promote Your Values. Including…Diversity
2. Establish a “Champion of Diversity and Inclusion”
3. Hold Yourself and Others Accountable
4. Communicate Until It Hurts!!!!
copyright Marv Russell Enterprises

13. Establish a Voice For Your Associates
1. Create a Diversity and Inclusion Council
• Define expectations
• What do you want from the council?
• Engage and teach all associates
2. Create Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
representing various employee groups
3. Conduct an Employee Engagement Survey
4. Again, Communicate Until It Hurts!!!!
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14. Establish Goals
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15. Goals
Talent Management Program
Establish Associate Engagement Survey and Metrics
Performance Management
Diversity & Inclusion Council
Learning and Development Agenda
Compensation and Career Development Structure
copyright Marv Russell Enterprises

16. The Challenge
Avoid Doing Stuff
Instead
Do Things that Drive Long-term
Impact, Cultural Impact and
Change
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17. What’s Next?
• Actions Plans and Commitments
• Messages to the Organization
• Transitioning from Inside to Outside the Organization
• Strive to Become Essential, Exceptional and Ethical
Leaders of Diversity and Inclusion
copyright Marv Russell Enterprises

18. 3E Leadership™
Essential
Exceptional
Ethical
Diversity Leadership
copyright Marv Russell Enterprises

19. About the Author
copyright Marv Russell Enterprises
Marv Russell is a leadership, diversity and human
resources consultant; author; and keynote speaker.
He has 25+ years’ experience in human resources
and organization development including living and
working abroad for nearly a decade for multi-
national corporations.
He is the author of Linebacker in the Boardroom: Lessons in Life and
Leadership and Finding Your Internship: What Employers Want You to
Know; and a new book on diversity and inclusion scheduled for a 2015
release. Marv created and advocates the principle of Essential, Exceptional
and Ethical Leadership™.
Marv’s bio and services can be found at marvrussell.com, connect with Marv
on LinkedIn, or follow him on Twitter.