SunShower Learning is thrilled to announce the launch of our new webinar series, DEI Discussions, which is designed to provide insightful, action-oriented sessions on a variety of DEI topics. Our first webinar, “Want to Succeed? Stop Hiring People Like You!”, took place on May 3 and was met with an extremely favorable response. Hosted by Joel Lesko, filmmaker and founder of SunShower Learning, the webinar featured Marsha Ross-Jackson addressing the topic of inclusive hiring.
Ross-Jackson kicked off the robust presentation by polling the audience. She asked, “Where does bias creep into the hiring process?” Here’s the breakdown of responses:
Where do you think bias creeps in the most in the hiring process? (Multiple answers allowed.) |
|
Answer |
% of Votes |
Job Description |
22% |
Job Posting |
0% |
Evaluation and Selection |
67% |
Sourcing and Screening |
56% |
Interviewing |
44% |
For the next 30 minutes, participants benefitted from a powerful presentation about how and why bias creeps into all aspects of the hiring process – and what can be done about it. Specific emphasis was placed on job titles, job descriptions and postings, as these are areas that can be particularly vulnerable to the influence of unconscious bias. We examined the surprisingly important role that job titles, job descriptions and postings play in the impressions that candidates form about the job and whether or not they will even apply. These things set the stage for what that candidate should fairly be expected – or not expected – to work on and how they will be evaluated. Ross-Jackson shared specific steps that can be taken to overcome unconscious bias and attract and hire a diverse group of terrific candidates. And that was just the tip of the iceberg!
This was a public webinar – the first of many more to come – but please keep in mind that SunShower Learning can create webinars exclusively for your organization. For instance, we can create a custom version of the Inclusive Hiring webinar for your hiring managers. The process is easy. We will set up a discovery meeting to learn more about your needs and goals, and then we’ll customize the entire experience to make the event a rousing success.
Book a meeting to learn more here.
Watch the entire webinar below:
More From Our Blog…
My Mid-September Reflections
A moment of reflectionAs I sat down to write this email, I found myself scrolling through the mailing list and recognizing so many names—people I’ve had conversations with that still stand out. Whether it was about Ouch!, purchasing a license or discussing trends in...
The Great Detachment: Why Employee Engagement is at Risk—Especially for Gen Z
As described in a recent article entitled, “The Great Detachment is looming for employees, experts warn—especially for Gen Z” by Lindsay Dodgson, employee disengagement is becoming an increasingly critical issue for companies worldwide. With a staggering cost of over...
Understanding Employee Responses to DEI Initiatives: Insights and Strategies
A recent study sheds light on a previously underexplored aspect of DEI training. While much focus has been placed on the facilitators, trainers and the content of DEI programs, this study examines how employees actually respond to the training. Published in Harvard...
SHRM’s Removal of “Equity” From DEI Framework: A Step Backwards Amid Growing Backlash
In a stunning step in the wrong direction, the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), the world’s largest HR association, has removed “Equity” from its “IE&D” framework. What message does this send, especially amid strong pushback against Diversity, Equity...
Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs
In the midst of the evolving landscape of corporate diversity initiatives, there's a seismic shift underway. The once-prominent acronym "DEI" - representing diversity, equity and inclusion - is notably absent from many company discussions. As explained in the article...
A Groundbreaking New Course: Understanding the Complexity of the Asian American Pacific Islander Experience
With over two decades of experience in the educational sector, Hideko Akashi, founder and lead consultant at Liberation Consulting, has been a steadfast advocate for diversity, privilege, social justice, inclusion and equity. Now, she's opening a new chapter with the...
The Deafening Silence of DEI Allies: A Call to Action in Troubled Times
As we commemorate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his poignant words echo through the corridors of history, reminding us of the profound impact of silence in the face of injustice.” In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the...
DEI LEAP: Empowering Leaders Through Turbulent Times
DEI LEAP: Empowering Leaders Through Turbulent Times As we all know, 2024 has brought a wave of attacks against DEI. A handful of outspoken critics, such as Elon Musk, are misrepresenting DEI and attacking the strategies and practices that are creating more equitable...
The Colorblindness Trap
Read. This. Article. It's important. The Color Blindness Trap: How a civil rights ideal got hijacked Nikole Hannah-Jones is a domestic correspondent for The New York Times Magazine focusing on racial injustice. Her extensive reporting in both print and radio has...
The Unbearable Lightness of the “I’m Sorry if You Were Offended” Apology
Have you ever come across that non-apology apology? You know, the one that goes, "I’m sorry if you were offended," or its close cousin, "I’m sorry that you…" These non-apologies aren't just weak; they can actually inflict more harm and exacerbate hurt feelings. They...