Word for the day: “Leaders who embrace DEI.”
Matthew 19:26 (GNT) Jesus looked straight at them and answered, “This is impossible for human beings, but for God, everything is possible.”
BELOVED LEADERS,
Today’s message is near and dear to my heart. In my journey, I’ve advocated and represented (DEI). Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential for any leadership team or family. I hope today’s insights provide a template for your life and leadership philosophy.
In our country, anti-DEI legislation has been introduced by the Republican political party and its constituency. In fact, certain states have already banned DEI initiatives.
DEI NOT ONLY BENEFITS PEOPLE FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS; THE BENEFITS HAVE WORLDWIDE IMPLICATIONS.
Diversity benefits the entire world by encouraging more creativity and innovation in the world at large. Besides, the moral good that accompanies treating people with respect, fairness, meritocracy, and humanity goes beyond performance indicators, in my opinion. Diversity brings several documented benefits to the world we live in. Despite how tired some people may be about hearing the words diversity, equity, and inclusion, failing to put a concerted effort into (DEI) initiatives can have detrimental effects on our world.
What we see and are experiencing in our country at large, with racial profiling, killing, police brutality, and political disarray across our country, is not a coincidence. This is a direct correlation of people only tolerating (DEI) in our nation but not embracing its potent value in our daily lives.
The real potent value of (DEI) is when we can embrace its multifaceted purpose in our humanity as a way of life.
THE DEI FATIGUE THAT AMERICA IS EXPERIENCING WILL REQUIRE A TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP OVERHAUL.
Recognizing the negative connotations associated with the words diversity, equity, and inclusion is also important. Re-framing the name of your (DEI) programs may help increase the buy-in and palatability to realize its amazing life benefits fully. We see in the gospel story a rich man who does not want to relinquish his privilege and decides not to (Matthew 19:20-23 GNT). What we see in the context of this story is compelling, and there are emotional and personal attachments to the prejudice, bias, and hatred of many privileged people.
If we are ever going to experience progress in our nation, it will take God and a major shift in the mindsets of our privileged class (Matthew 19:26 GNT).
Lastly, we here at Grace and Truth will prove, with evidential examples, that people who embrace, not just tolerate (DEI) are different types of thinkers.
In fact, those who fully embrace (DEI) outperform the traditional business model and critical thinkers. We can and will demonstrate and create (DEI) thinkers who do life and business in an extraordinary effort on complex assignments, producing what I call “The value of diversity, equity, and inclusion benefits.”
The value benefits are realized in enhanced leadership and people problem solving, increased morale, and more collaborative teamwork, all of which lead to better performance and life outcomes. The value of diversity and inclusion also captures the stories of people's lives and organizations that have leveraged the potency of (DEI) to solve complex concerns.
Concerns such as life retention, mentoring for success, cross-cultural communication, embracing our different values, relationship currency, being a part of the solution, not the problem, and work ethic. These undeniable returns on investment (ROI) change the way we think about diversity in life, communities, families, workplaces, and in our everyday humanity.
I’ve discovered that (DEI) in its most potent form, embodies everyone, not only those who are underrepresented. And I will endeavor to make sure this is realized by all the lives we touch here in our leadership teaching and living out our purpose.
Quote James Baker, Jr.: “In a world where diversity, equity, and inclusion are a hotbed of futility. I have decided that I just don’t want to be right about our fundamental humanity; I want to get it right.”
Special thanks!
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in June 2024, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. David and Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Brenda Spoach, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. William Jones, Mr. William Buchanan, Ms. Judith Battle, Mr. William Wilson, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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Kingdom Blessings,