#450: DEI and the Power of Building Belonging, with Dr. Terrell Strayhorn

In this episode, Stephanie talks with diversity scholar Dr. Terrell Strayhorn about the concept of belonging, emphasizing its significance beyond buzzwords like diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI). They highlight the positive outcomes of belonging, including increased job satisfaction and productivity and explore obstacles to fostering belonging. Dr. Strayhorn offers strategies for cultivating a sense of belonging in large organizations. The conversation extends to the ongoing need for addressing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in leadership and workplaces. Rewarding behaviors that foster belonging, such as recognizing selflessness and facilitating social connections, is also discussed.

• They discuss the concept of belonging and its importance, highlighting that it goes beyond buzzwords like diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
• positive outcomes of belonging, such as higher job satisfaction and productivity in the workplace.
• They explore the obstacles to creating a sense of belonging in the workplace, highlighting individual, group, and structural factors.
• Dr. Strayhorn suggests strategies for making large organizations feel smaller and promoting a sense of belonging among employees.
• discusses the importance of continuing conversations about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in leadership, the workplace, and job opportunities even beyond the month of June.
• The discussion also touches on the idea of rewarding behaviors that promote belonging, such as recognizing selfless actions, welcoming newcomers, and facilitating social connections.

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