TMP-Ep54 - Leadership and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

I always get a little skeptical when standard behaviors for healthy humans become buzzwords - especially when those buzzwords seem somewhat politically motivated or forced in a way that causes the concepts to lose meaning. I've been curious about the "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" movement - now including "Belonging", for quite some time. Mostly because it seems forced, or maybe not fully embraced in a healthy way, and I wanted to learn more. Fortunately, my good friend of almost 30 years, retired Chief Petty Officer Joseph Otto Paul, finished his naval career as a "CCS" - Command Climate Specialist - responsible for DEI&B for the Naval forces stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. He shares his understanding of DEI&B, why it is important in the United States military as well as in the civilian workforce. Through our discussion, he helped me see why DEI&B is an important component in a meaningful work environment, and how some companies are succeeding in making it work, while others might be more focused on just "checking the block".