In our quest to understand engagement, we’ve lost sight of the fact that lack of engagement is a leadership problem- not a ‘people’ or ‘culture’ problem. There is a profound difference between leaders who primarily manage process—how work gets done—and those who are true leaders of people-- of real, live human beings. Leaders who put people first lead with people at the center of all they do.

Being a well-intentioned person is important, but it’s only the beginning. It’s the foundation- the price of entry into a complex conversation about people, differences, culture and historical context…

How to get the most out of a workforce? In the 80s, the conversation moved from affirmative action to diversity, in the 90's we added inclusion. Most recently we've landed on employee engagement as the frame for driving organizational success.

Over a decade has passed since Corey Jamison published the article, ‘Diversity is Dead’. The article still resonates years later as we work with organizations to leverage inclusion as a strategic, transformational business lever.

“If people think diversity is "done," then let's lay it to rest. If it is treated simply as an expendable add-on program or function it is doomed, because expendable programs are cut at the next downturn of the business cycle. If it is limited to race and gender differences and headcount, diversity is dead.”

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