Discussion Guide
Discussion Guide for The Inclusive Organization by Netta Jenkins
The Inclusive Organization offers readers a roadmap to transforming workplaces through intentional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies. Netta Jenkins leverages her expertise to break down the complexities of workplace inequities and provides actionable insights for fostering environments where all employees can thrive. This guide is designed to help readers unpack the book’s key themes and apply its lessons to their organizations and personal leadership journeys.
Discussion Guide
Introduction to Inclusion
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Discussion Questions:
- How does Netta Jenkins define an “inclusive organization”?
- What common misconceptions about inclusion does the book challenge?
- Why do you think inclusion is essential for organizational success in today’s workplace?
Activity:
Reflect on your own workplace: Share one practice or policy that you believe promotes inclusion and one that could be improved.
The Role of Leadership in DEI
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Key Themes:
- Leadership accountability for inclusive practices
- Overcoming resistance to DEI efforts
- The impact of inclusive leadership on team dynamics
Discussion Questions:
- What are the specific roles and responsibilities of leaders in driving inclusion?
- How can leaders address pushback against DEI initiatives in their organizations?
- How do inclusive leadership practices benefit not just employees but the business overall?
Activity:
List three leadership behaviors or policies from the book that you found most impactful. Discuss how they can be implemented in your workplace.
Systemic Change in the Workplace
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Key Takeaways:
- Identifying inequitable workplace systems
- Strategies for dismantling biases in hiring, performance reviews, and engagement surveys
- Aligning inclusive actions with business goals
Discussion Questions:
- What systems in your workplace might unintentionally perpetuate inequity?
- How does Jenkins suggest organizations can hold themselves accountable for systemic change?
- Why is aligning DEI efforts with business goals critical for long-term success?
Activity:
Perform a mini audit of a workplace process (e.g., hiring, promotion, feedback). Identify areas of improvement and brainstorm potential solutions as a group.
Employee Engagement and Retention
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Key Themes:
- Fostering trust, transparency, and belonging
- The role of managers in attracting and retaining diverse talent
- Addressing employee needs and challenges
Discussion Questions:
- How do managers directly influence employee engagement and retention?
- What practices discussed in the book could improve employee trust and transparency?
- How can organizations better measure employee engagement with an inclusion lens?
Activity:
Create an employee engagement roadmap based on the book’s recommendations. Outline strategies for fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
Measuring DEI Success
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Key Themes:
- Metrics and tools for assessing inclusion efforts
- Understanding business impact through DEI initiatives
- The importance of continuous learning and adaptation
Discussion Questions:
- What are the key metrics organizations should use to measure DEI success, according to Jenkins?
- How can businesses ensure their inclusion efforts remain relevant and effective over time?
- What role do employee feedback and data play in shaping an inclusive organization?
Activity:
Design a DEI scorecard for your organization using the book’s suggested metrics. Discuss how this can be incorporated into organizational reporting.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
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Discussion Questions:
- What was your most significant insight from The Inclusive Organization?
- How can you apply the lessons from this book to your role or organization?
- What are the immediate next steps your team can take to advance inclusion?
Activity:
As a group, identify one key takeaway and create an action plan to implement it. Set specific, measurable goals and a timeline for evaluation.
Additional Resources
- Explore Netta Jenkins’s work and tools: Aerodei Performance Platform
- Join discussions on LinkedIn about The Inclusive Organization to connect with other readers.
- Consider hosting a book club or workshop to dive deeper into the book’s frameworks.
By engaging with the ideas in The Inclusive Organization, participants can contribute to creating workplaces that are not only equitable but also empowering for everyone.