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The one thing an effective DEI strategy has

In the pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) success in corporations, collaborative leadership involving the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), HR leaders, and the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) is essential. These three roles form a triad that weaves DEI into the corporate narrative effectively, ensuring authenticity and impact. A collaborative approach transcends traditional boundaries and silos, addressing DEI across all aspects of the organization. The CMO shapes brand messaging and values, HR builds an inclusive workplace culture, and the CDO oversees DEI strategies and accountability. Collaboration leads to a richer, more innovative workplace, where diversity is integrated into the company’s DNA, benefiting both internal and external stakeholders. This approach involves integrated strategies, unified communication, goal alignment, data-driven decisions, and public commitments, ultimately fostering a workplace where diversity is valued, equity is pursued, and inclusion is experienced by all.

From the original article written by Kellie Walenciak and published in Fast Company.

Every effective DEI strategy encompasses this essential element: collaborative leadership. In the pursuit of meaningful progress in corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), it becomes increasingly evident that isolated efforts fall short. Companies need collaborative leadership from three key players: the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), HR leaders, and the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO).

Together, these roles form a triad capable of weaving DEI into the corporate narrative with authenticity and impact. Here’s how these key roles intersect to champion DEI initiatives, leading to a corporate culture where inclusivity thrives as a practiced reality, not just an aspiration.

Why DEI Needs Collaborative Leadership: Traditionally, DEI initiatives were often confined to silos within human resources or designated to a single DEI officer. However, DEI’s scope and influence extend far beyond these boundaries, impacting every facet of an organization. A collaborative leadership approach is necessary to integrate DEI seamlessly into the company culture, ensuring consistent messaging and genuine efforts.

The Roles of Collaborative DEI Leadership:

The CMO: The Storyteller The CMO shapes the brand narrative and ensures that DEI is authentically represented in the brand’s values and communicated effectively through marketing campaigns.
HR: The Culture Builder HR plays a crucial role in transforming DEI policies into lived experiences for employees, focusing on inclusive recruitment and retention, DEI education and training, and policy compliance.
The Chief Diversity Officer: The Strategist The CDO oversees and integrates DEI across the organization, leading the overarching DEI strategy, collaborating with various departments, and measuring the effectiveness of DEI initiatives.

Collaborative DEI Leadership in Practice: In practice, collaborative leadership involves integrated DEI strategy sessions, unified communication, DEI goal alignment with business objectives, data-driven decision-making, regular organization-wide DEI progress reviews, employee inclusion programs, and public DEI commitments and reporting.

Ultimately, collaborative leadership strengthens the company’s reputation, enriches its culture, and propels its success in a diverse global marketplace.

Read the original article: Any good DEI strategy has this one thing