Start a Task Force for Diversity
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by Jane Hyun
How is your company's diversity program?
Simply recruiting minorities is not enough; a good diversity program needs to include strategies and programmes for managing and developing a multicultural workforce.
If diversity is an important issue for you, and your company doesn't have an active task force, you should consider starting a group or working with the existing committee to revamp some of its initiatives. Here's how:
Advocate for Change
Don't isolate yourself as a minority. If there's an Asian networking or affinity group in your company, become a voice that helps break down stereotypes by building bridges with senior management. Be an advocate for change. Realise that most people, including many Asians, are unaware that even positive stereotypes may be detrimental.
However, if there isn't an active diversity task force at your firm, talk to your HR representative about starting one. By initiating the discussion, you may be asked to head up one of the committees. Such a group can facilitate mentoring programs, a critical element for minorities and non minorities alike when it comes to breaking through any glass ceiling.
