Recruiting a diverse workforce. Recently I found myself on a CIPD Panel discussing how to recruit a diverse workplace with fellow Maverick Paradox Magazine writer Nick Day. On the panel we were joined by Margaret Ochieng, and Devyani Vaishampayan.
It was a fascinating panel which covered a lot of ground. Key questions for the panel members were:
- Devyani, you have been a CHRO for billion-pound organisations such as Rolls Royce and British Gas. You have a global perspective on these issues. Is recruiting diverse talent an issue being faced solely by the UK or is this a global issue?
- Judith, you are passionate about maverick leadership, being the author of the hugely successful book The Maverick Paradox: The Secret Power behind Successful Leaders. You have recently even discussed maverick behaviours on the BBC. How do you see Maverick behaviours supporting organisations in thinking differently about diversity?
- Nick, I am conscious you are the only man, and only white person on our panel! What are your views on this issue in terms of segregation? Do you think there is a fear of alienating white people, particularly men on this issue?
- Margaret, I know you have conducted a significant amount of research into the issue of talent acquisition in the context of ED&I. What are the most important insights that are worth sharing with our audience on this issue?
Recruiting a diverse workforce
As you can imagine from the above questions, it was a great Panel; there was of course additional questions, including some from the audience. During the CIPD Panel, Nick spoke cogently on the role that recruiters can play in enabling companies to have a diverse workplace. I spoke about how Maverick Leaders seek to eliminate bias in decision making and value diversity of thought.
When you seek diversity in thought then diversity of people naturally follows.
I thought you might enjoy this video clip from the event.
