Diversity Impact

How to Improve Diversity in the Workplace

In response to noticing a lack of diversity in the company, a diversity team was created to discuss the issue and come up with solutions. Quick wins and long term projects were identified and implemented, such as proofreading job descriptions to make sure they weren't gender oriented. The CEO also presented the situation and solutions to the company. The team learned that the discussion was well received and that most people simply did not realize the impact of their words and behaviors. Significant improvement has been seen since then, but it is an ongoing process.

(Re)building product teams: insights from recent recruitment

The hospitality industry was one of the hardest hit during the 2020 lockdowns, and the effects are still being felt today. This has caused a decrease in trust and an increase in high-risk employment. The hospitality tech industry has also been affected, making it difficult to find the right product managers. After months of searching, the author was able to build a team of seven diverse individuals by the end of 2021. The author learned the importance of diversity, transparency, and setting the right expectations throughout the recruitment process. The author is now looking for six more product managers and more senior talent to lead the team.

Delivering Brutal Feedback

A security consultant was hired despite having been fired from a top security program. He was difficult to manage due to poor interpersonal communication, time management, and hygiene. After giving him direct, honest feedback and explaining the importance of client relationships, he was able to avoid making mistakes and eventually became a successful security consultant. The lesson learned is that each employee is an individual and can be redeemed if the right approach is taken.

Company Culture That Strives for Diversity and Inclusion

The narrator had worked for a company for many years, during which time the company had gone through several leadership changes. The changes had initially been beneficial, but in the last couple of years had become increasingly negative, resulting in a toxic “bro” culture and people, especially women and people of color, leaving the company. The narrator decided to leave and found a startup with a culture of inclusion and diversity. They have been able to contribute to the company culture by increasing the number of women, especially women of color, and making sure that those who work for the company are happy and getting the opportunities they deserve. The narrator has learned that company culture is more important than the product, and that being an ally requires taking action when something feels wrong or oppressive.

Improving Communication Between Remote Teams

When SugarCRM's remote and onsite teams were having communication and trust issues, the team lead took action to bridge the gap. He held weekly team meetings, encouraged more travel between the two main offices, and encouraged constructive venting. This allowed the teams to work together better and to understand what was happening in the company. He also encouraged discussions and a consensus-based approach to management.

Recognizing the Value of Underrepresented Groups in Tech

A woman in tech with a master's degree in artificial intelligence faced strong criticism and had to defend her knowledge and ideas when she suggested a different use case for machine learning than a male colleague. She has developed strategies to prove herself and her knowledge, and when she is the leader of a meeting, she encourages people to ask questions and make suggestions without fear of judgement. She believes that having a diverse group of people who are less certain of themselves can lead to more objective meetings and better results.