The Diversity Movement

🎙️ “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a leader is that it’s not just about what you say—it’s how you say it. Words have power, and if you don’t take the time to read the room, they can have unintended negative impacts.” In this video, TDM's Donald Thompson, CDE® reflects on the pivotal leadership lesson that reshaped his career: the importance of balancing directness with empathy. From his beginnings in a results-driven sales culture to working with executive coaches, Don highlights how thoughtful communication can transform a leader’s impact on their team. For more clips for strategies on purposeful leadership and enhancing your leadership skills, visit our YouTube channel for valuable tips and actionable advice. Link below! #LeadershipDevelopment #EmpathyInLeadership

According to our 2024 Leadership Development Trend Report, the top leadership struggle identified by our survey respondents is ineffective communication, with 65% of leaders acknowledging this as a major barrier to success. Followed closely by collaboration at 48%, and a lack of self-awareness at 41%. In a rapidly changing business landscape, organizations must address this challenge head-on to remain competitive and resilient. Effective leadership starts with clear, transparent communication that fosters trust and drives collaboration. 💡 What’s the solution? Our report outlines proven strategies to mitigate this struggle, including: - Integrating leadership development into daily workflows to ensure continuous learning and application. - Reallocating resources to focus on building team-based solutions that align with organizational goals. - Prioritizing inclusive leadership to drive engagement and enhance team dynamics. The need for effective communication is urgent, but with the right tools and strategies, leaders can overcome these barriers and position their teams for success. Download the full trend report at the link below!

On this day of reflection and gratitude, we at The Diversity Movement are thankful for the incredible people who help us drive change—our dedicated team, our loyal clients, and our trusted partners. 2024 has been a year marked by challenges—from political divides, and countless challenges. But it has also shown us the strength of our shared commitment to inclusion. As we reflect today, we must also honor the Indigenous communities who have cared for this land for thousands of years and recognize the painful history tied to this day. We are reminded that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. Together, let’s continue striving toward an equitable, inclusive future where every voice is valued and every story matters. Today, let’s reflect on our shared values and recommit to building a better tomorrow. 🧡

💡 Leadership Insight: Avoiding Burnout During the Holidays The holidays can be a joyful season, but for many employees, they also bring added stress. Year-end deadlines, personal responsibilities, and financial pressures can amplify chronic stress, a leading contributor to burnout. As leaders, we can take intentional steps to help our teams navigate this busy season with resilience and balance: ✔️ Foster psychological safety – Create space for open conversations about workload and stress. ✔️ Encourage recovery – Promote time off and remind employees it’s okay to unplug. ✔️ Lead by example – Model self-care and realistic expectations to set the tone for your team. Resilient teams are healthier and more engaged—especially when leaders prioritize well-being during demanding times like the holidays. Learn how to prevent burnout and build resilience - link in the comments below. How do you support your team’s well-being during the holiday season? Share your insights below! 👇

🎄 Make the Holidays More Inclusive with Thoughtful Communication The holiday season is a time of connection and celebration, but it’s also a chance to ensure our words reflect respect and inclusion for everyone. Here are a few ways to ensure everyone feels valued and respected: ✅ Use greetings like "Happy Holidays" to honor diverse traditions. ✅ Approach festive conversations with cultural and religious awareness. ✅ Plan workplace celebrations that reflect a variety of perspectives. By being intentional with our words and actions, we can create an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. By embracing inclusive language, we can create holiday celebrations that welcome and honor everyone’s unique traditions. Let’s make this season one of connection, respect, and shared joy. Explore tips for inclusive workplace practices through the link below! #InclusiveHolidays #InclusiveCommunication

High trust = better business outcomes. In fact, a study found the top 100 most trusted companies generated 2.5x more value than their peers, while the bottom 100 experienced turnover rates of 70%. So how can you find out if you have a high-trust workplace? In Amber Keister, CDE® latest article, she dives into how to measure trust and belonging in the workplace, offering actionable insights to help you foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, and inclusion. ✅ Learn why trust is the foundation of employee engagement ✅ Discover the key indicators of belonging ✅ Understand the impact on productivity and retention ✅ Uncover how to measure employee engagement By measuring and nurturing trust, you empower your team to thrive. 👇 Read the full article below! #InclusionMatters #EmployeeEngagement #FutureOfWork

As a leader, you know the cost of miscommunication—missed deadlines, wasted resources, and frustrated teams. The stakes are even higher for global teams, where cultural differences and language barriers can amplify these challenges. How you address these gaps can make or break your team’s success. The solution? Intentional, inclusive communication. Our Inclusive Communication Guide is here to help you navigate the complexities of language in diverse workplaces and beyond with tips on how to: ✅ Communicate with clarity and respect ✅ Avoid unintentional bias in language ✅ Foster inclusivity in every interaction A leader's ability to communicate inclusively and effectively isn’t just a skill—it’s a competitive advantage. When you cultivate trust and clarity within your team, you unlock their full potential and drive organizational success. Equip yourself with the tools and strategies to lead with clarity and empathy with our guide below. 👇

It's here! Our 2025 Holiday Calendar📆 Keeping up with diverse holidays, heritage months, and cultural observances throughout the year can be a challenge, but we’ve got you covered. Our 2025 #DiversityHolidays Calendar is here to help! What’s Inside: - Over 150 holidays and observances - Linked resources with best practices for inclusive celebrations - Options for a printable PDF or integration with your online work calendar Ready to start planning? Download our free 2025 calendar today at the link in the comments. #EmployeeEngagement #HolidayCalendar

Following a divisive election marked by uncertainty and misinformation, trust in traditional institutions like government and media is at an all-time low. The exception is business and leaders have a powerful opportunity to step up. According to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, employees trust their employers to prioritize both the company mission and their personal well-being. So, how can leaders foster an environment where employees feel empowered to succeed? TDM CEO Donald Thompson, CDE® shares his insights with WRAL | WRAL TechWire on how to build high-performing, cooperative teams even amid anxiety, mistrust, and fear. The key? Psychological safety. Studies show that teams with high levels of psychological safety are 27% more likely to report superior performance than those without. Creating a workplace where people feel safe to share ideas, admit mistakes, and collaborate without fear isn't just ideal; it’s essential for success. Learn Don's top tips for cultivating psychological safety at the link below. #PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipDevelopment

In today’s climate, employees are facing a multitude of pressures, from socio-political issues to the stress of a volatile election season. These factors can lead to burnout, impacting productivity and well-being. DEI leaders, in particular, bear a unique weight in fostering inclusive, safe workplaces—especially as DEI initiatives themselves face increased scrutiny. TDM’s Jackie Ferguson, CDE® recently shared valuable insights in Training Industry, Inc., outlining practical ways DEI leaders can prevent burnout, manage resistance, and foster positive cultural change while helping employees feel seen and supported. Here are some of her top tips: ✨ Prioritize your own mental health. Just like on a plane, you can’t help others if you don’t first care for yourself. Schedule breaks and self-care moments to sustain your energy. ✨ Know when to pause conversations. Cultivating open-mindedness is crucial. Meet people where they are, and prepare for challenging discussions by envisioning possible scenarios in advance. ✨ Build a ‘circle of care'. Leading DEI initiatives is a team effort. Assemble a support network that promotes psychological safety and helps you prevent burnout. DEI work is personal and demanding, particularly in a divided and often hostile environment. For more strategies to support yourself and your team, check out Jackie’s full article through the link below! #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing