Reframing the Game: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Management Is Not a Zero-Sum Game

When the topic of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) management is addressed, senior executives and board members sometimes raise concerns about some stakeholders “losing power” when an organization commits to engaging, empowering, and elevating historically underrepresented and undervalued stakeholders into the highest levels of an organization in aggressive and achievable ways. These leaders falsely believe that DEI is a zero-sum game, or the idea that when one person gains something, another loses something in exactly the same amount. This post confirms through research and anecdotal experiences that DEI is instead a game where all parties can truly win. If you are curious about how to begin a DEI dialogue in your own organization, let’s set up a time to talk.