Demystifying Diversity: A Simple Guide To Inclusion [Interview with Gamiel Yafai] Part 2

This is the second part of a special two part show where I speak with Gamiel Yafai. Gamiel is a 17-year veteran of the Diversity and Inclusion industry and the author of two books: Yemen Proud and Demystifying Diversity.

Gamiel is an award winning Diversity & Inclusion Strategist with a wealth of knowledge, I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with him so that he could share the benefit of his considerable experience with us.

In the second part of the show we discuss several things including:

  • Why Gamiel felt that his book was necessary
  • The relationship between the principles in his charity work and his approach to inclusion
  • The importance of employee resource groups

Here’s some of the wisdom that Gamiel shared:

Diversity follows Inclusion

Gamiel outlines a sequential relationship between inclusion and diversity in the workplace, suggesting that creating organisations that are able to create an inclusive environment will enjoy diversity in the workplace:

“You get inclusion right, you get diversity”

The importance of establishing a foundation

Gamiel explains some of the reasons why several inclusion strategies fail, using his experience of working highlighting the need for preparation and establishing structures and processes to ensure success:

“You get the foundations right and you can achieve anything”

The Need to Manage Employee Resource Groups

Gamiel talks about the need for organisations to accept responsibility for their employee resource groups. He suggests that if the purpose and need for an employee resource group is established then there is great potential for success.

“There’s a huge massive role for resource groups”

If you want a quick snapshot of what the episode is about I’ve created some slides that you may find interesting

THE KEY TAKEAWAY

Accountability cuts across everything!

Show notes

Here are some selected links to for the resources and reports I discuss in the episode.

Yemen Proud

Demystifying Diversity

The Hunger Project

The McGregor Smith Review

The Parker Review

Diversity Marketplace

Gamiel on Twitter 

Gamiel on Linkedin

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The Elements of Inclusion #4

Leaders must collaborate innovatively to leverage cultural expertise and drive business performance.

  • Why inclusive outcomes are driven by innovation
  • How developing a business case for diversity and inclusion specific to your organisation is a competitive advantage
  • Why novelty is at the heart of your inclusion journey

The Elements of Inclusion #3

Leaders must establish systems to ensure that everyone shares the same advantages and benefits. These processes will create incentives for inclusive behaviours.

  • How to augment your team with the tools and insights they need to prevent structural disadvantage
  • Why reinforcing generative norms ensures everyone belongs in the organisation
  • How inclusive representations can be embedded to promote an inclusive culture

The Elements of Inclusion #2

Leaders must redefine career development relationships to support inclusive performance.
  • Why traditional mentor relationships must be revised for an inclusive workplace
  • How leaders must embrace networks of developmental relationships for individual growth
  • Why established workplace norms must evolve for inclusion in the modern workplace

The Elements of Inclusion #1

Leaders must properly socialise people and socialise inclusive ideas by providing an environment for the cultural learning needed for an active role in an inclusive organisation

  • How your socialisation processes must evolve to encourage the sustainable cultivation of inclusive competencies
  • Why Leaders must consistently negotiate the line between organisational commitment and personal authenticity to promote performance
  • How developing intersectional self awareness can help leaders to leverage individual employee experiences