A recent article in the New York Times about the partnership of the first Latina woman at Cravath, Swaine and Moore, an historic white shoe law firm in New York, demonstrates the positive impact proactive measures can have on a diverse individual’s success, and ultimately a business’s diversity efforts.
This article underscores that the importance of acculturation in business cannot be overstated, particularly for diverse employees. Just getting in the door does nothing to make the environment navigable for employees from underrepresented populations. Technical skills are necessary, of course, but just as important are the social skills and cultural cues that can make or break a career. All new employees need guidance as to workplace norms and mores, as well as mentoring and networking opportunities. This is doubly true for diverse employees. We tend to gravitate to those who are most like us, and this can put diverse employees at a disadvantage from day one.
What are you doing to foster your new and diverse employees’ integration into your business? Contact T. H. Easter Consulting to discuss our unique employee engagement approach to creating successful diversity initiatives.