We all know that change is the only constant. However, change also stokes a significant degree of fear and anxiety in many people, which can result in resistance from some people who may be impacted by the change. In this very compelling episode of Becoming Inclusive, our hosts Reggie and Kat, are again joined by Kaleidoscope Group Consultant and Change Management expert Hanlie Van Wyk, for a deeper dive into how organizations can bolster buy-in for change initiatives by understanding the “formula,” or framework, involved in change enablement. To increase stakeholder, buy-in, Van Wyk prescribes a four-pronged approach to sustainable change management entailing alignment of change processes that address: 

1. Self-awareness of the need/rationale for individual change
2. Socialization of positive behaviors (aka “Social Contagion”)
3. Systems that support change, such as policies, practices, procedures
4. Spaces that provide support and reinforcement for change

These four areas are critical to achieving change management goals and objectives; providing a roadmap for effective and sustainable change enablement with minimized resistance and increased degrees of buy-in and compliance. 

The Kaleidoscope Group is a full service Diversity, Equity & Inclusion firm in Chicago serving clients world-wide. We can help you develop organizational change that actively engages everybody in your organization, turning resistance into energy and motivation for change. Let’s talk about where you’d like to go and how to get there. Visit us at https://kgdiversity.com

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month and we’ll be exploring the connections between mental wellness and diversity, equity and inclusion in today’s episode of Being Inclusive podcast. Hosts Reggie Ponder and Kat Potts are joined by special guest Trisha Carter Global Engagement Leader and Organizational Psychologist, who offers her well-informed perspectives on the clear connections between DEI and mental health to help leaders and employees improve performance and enhance workplace culture. 

We all know that bringing our “whole selves” to the workplace is important, but many find that difficult, if not impossible; especially as it relates to mental health issues among many under-represented groups within a workplace—largely because of lingering taboo and stigma associated with the mental wellness. The question is what leaders and organizations can do to foster a more supportive work environment where people can truly shine and do their very best work; while also offering helpful tips on what individuals can do to maintain their mental health, both in and out of the workplace.  Listen now and share with friends and colleagues. Join the conversation by leaving a comment below.

The Kaleidoscope Group is a full service Diversity, Equity & Inclusion firm in Chicago serving clients world-wide. We can help you develop organizational change that actively engages everybody in your organization, turning resistance into energy and motivation for change. Let’s talk about where you’d like to go and how to get there. Visit us at https://kgdiversity.com

In today’s episode of our Podcast, we’re joined by Global Engagement Leader & Subject Matter Expert Hanlie van Wyck, who helps us understand the role of engagement in the change management process to drive sustainable and positive change within organizations. While it may seem to some a simple process, Hanlie argues that it is extremely complex and requires a greater focus on people rather than solely on systems; in other words, “human forward versus process forward.” While companies are trying to accomplish their change initiatives as quickly as possible, all agreed that it takes time to fully inculcate change. People need time to adjust and change; enablers must maintain engagement—identifying opportunities for coaching and other interventions over time to truly realize robust cultural change within an organization. Has your company invested in major change management? Do you think the initiatives were effective?  Watch this highly “engaging” video to gain a better understanding of the important role Change Managers play in DEI. 

The Kaleidoscope Group is a full service Diversity, Equity & Inclusion firm in Chicago serving clients world-wide. We can help you develop organizational change that actively engages everybody in your organization, turning resistance into energy and motivation for change. Let’s talk about where you’d like to go and how to get there. Visit us at https://kgdiversity.com

When you think about strong leadership, certain characteristics likely come to mind.  However,  depending on where you are, and who you’re leading, other attributes become more crucial. In today’s podcast we talk about leadership for global organizations and how inclusion and diversity fit into adjusting to and understanding leadership styles. What’s true “here” might not be true - or even desirable - “over there.” How do we lead a complex, diverse team? Is there a “right” approach that’s suitable for most? The answers might surprise you.

The Kaleidoscope Group is a full service Diversity, Equity & Inclusion firm in Chicago serving clients world-wide. We can help you develop organizational change that actively engages everybody in your organization, turning resistance into energy and motivation for change. Let’s talk about where you’d like to go and how to get there. Visit us at https://kgdiversity.com

"'Everyone is welcome' is drastically different from, ‘We built this with you in mind.’” This powerful quote kicks off today’s podcast about tolerating vs including. For a long time tolerance was considered aspirational. In many ways, respecting one another and our viewpoints was the destination we sought. But that time is long past - nobody wants to merely be tolerated. Not in society and certainly not at work. And real talk: not everybody is comfortable with that. Join us as we explore the meanings and methods of moving beyond being just welcoming.

The Kaleidoscope Group is a full service Diversity, Equity & Inclusion firm in Chicago serving clients world-wide. We can help you develop organizational change that actively engages everybody in your organization, turning resistance into energy and motivation for change. Let’s talk about where you’d like to go and how to get there. Visit us at https://kgdiversity.com

“Failure” among your team can have different contexts. On one hand, it’s better to consider what might be happening is learning, rather than failing. Perhaps we haven’t succeeded yet. On the other hand, exploration of the root of the failure is needed. Often when people can’t meet expectations it’s because they haven’t been given the systems and support to achieve the desired outcome. So is the person failing, or is the organization failing them? Or is it a combination of the two?

In today’s episode, Katherine Potts, Digital Marketing Manager & Events Coordinator, and  Reginald Ponder, Executive Marketing Lead, talk about providing employees with what they need to succeed and how organizations can take more responsibility for driving positive outcomes and impact. Sometimes there are competency issues, no doubt; the wrong skill sets might be tasked for the wrong tasks. Sometimes there are compliance issues - people know what to do but for some reason (often connected to engagement and satisfaction), they’re not doing them. And then there are connection issues; people aren’t being given the tools, resources, communication, or collaboration they need to do their best work. Learn how systems for success are part of the journey to inclusion.

The Kaleidoscope Group is a full service Diversity, Equity & Inclusion firm in Chicago serving clients world-wide. We can help you develop organizational change that actively engages everybody in your organization, turning resistance into energy and motivation for change. Let’s talk about where you’d like to go and how to get there. Visit us at https://kgdiversity.com

Health equity is when we can all achieve our full health potential. It's impacted by our environments, the people around us, the choices available to us and the care available to us. Inequity in healthcare is when there are avoidable differences in how people are treated for health concerns.

They're two sides of the same coin: Some of us are getting more sick more often and being treated less comprehensively and competently than others.

In today's episode, Fariha Siddiquie, Assessment & Research Consultant with The Kaleidoscope Group, joins us to discuss the big questions. Why is this happening? Who's it happening to? And how do we fix it?

Join us as we explore the social, economic, racial and other dimensions of diversity systemically impacting health equity. Learn how the solutions to these complicated issues exist at the intersection of patient care, organizational change, personal empathy and community connectedness.

The Kaleidoscope Group is a full service Diversity, Equity & Inclusion firm in Chicago serving clients world-wide. We can help you develop organizational change that actively engages everybody in your organization, turning resistance into energy and motivation for change. Let’s talk about where you’d like to go and how to get there. Visit us at https://kgdiversity.com

In today’s podcast Aarin Haney, Client Services Manager and Facilitator joins us to explore what it means for an organization to be committed to DEI efforts, rather than simply compelled. When we’re simply compelled to invest in training, workshops, speakers, or other “diversity stuff” it often becomes a box to check or a task to be done. Real change isn’t the focus - getting through activities is. 

A committed organization sees DEI with a strategic mindset, ready to adapt to shifting realities and new insights. Today we’re talking about proactive vs. reactive efforts, the role leaders must play, the characteristics of the committed vs. compelled organization, and how authenticity is crucial for sustainable DEI growth.

The Kaleidoscope Group is a full service Diversity, Equity & Inclusion firm in Chicago serving clients world-wide. We can help you develop organizational change that actively engages everybody in your organization, turning resistance into energy and motivation for change. Let’s talk about where you’d like to go and how to get there. Visit us at https://kgdiversity.com

Executive Consultant Mitch Brown returns to discuss how "the proof is in the pudding." Is your organization consistent with its stated values and principles on equity, inclusion and diversity when it comes to negotiating pay and benefits? If every business answered, "well, of course!" to that question, we wouldn't still have women and People of Color chronically underpaid. So let's talk about it. In today's episode, we explore how organizations can hold themselves accountable to make sure it's connecting with what's suitable for each of their employees. The idea of inclusion isn't about treating everybody exactly the same - yet in many organizations, that's how time off, holidays, paid leave and other benefits are managed. DEI has to be more than an idea, more than good intentions and general awareness. Let's explore some essential questions and positions to take in quantifying the impact of DEI in your organization.

The Kaleidoscope Group is a full service Diversity, Equity & Inclusion firm in Chicago serving clients world-wide. We can help you develop organizational change that actively engages everybody in your organization, turning resistance into energy and motivation for change. Let’s talk about where you’d like to go and how to get there. Visit us at https://kgdiversity.com

In today's episode Jodi Bondi Norgaard, consultant, and facilitator for The Kaleidoscope Group joins us to explore in-depth the journey to inclusion and equity for women at work. Coming from the unique perspective of having developed a product line for girls and children designed around empowering themes, Jodi connects on the power structure, biases, and cultural, traditional norms and expectations in America that have shaped a business imbalance where hiring, pay and responsibility for women remains an uphill climb. In this energizing conversation, we explore how the ways we treat our children ultimately impacts their adult perspectives, how equity is in everybody's best interests, and some specific steps organizations can take to finally create better, more equitable working environments.

The Kaleidoscope Group is a full service Diversity, Equity & Inclusion firm in Chicago serving clients world-wide. We can help you develop organizational change that actively engages everybody in your organization, turning resistance into energy and motivation for change. Let’s talk about where you’d like to go and how to get there. Visit us at https://kgdiversity.com