Inclusion Circles and Day of Understanding – an Open Invitation for Inclusive Conversations
Challenge
As Old National Bank strives to build a more inclusive environment, we must listen to and learn from one another. It is in workplaces that people are most likely to interact regularly with others whose backgrounds are different from their own. Honest and candid dialogue opens opportunities for colleagues to connect, learn from each other’s experiences and build better working relationships.
Actions
In 2021 we launched Inclusion Circles, a bi-monthly virtual discussion series with varying and relevant DEI topics. This is an informal platform open to the entire population of colleagues regardless of grade levels or location. The conversation begins with a review of a video or article on topics such as empathetic listening, navigating conflict, and taking risks. We then host facilitated conversations that allow participants to act as both teachers and students in sharing their experiences while listening and learning from one another. Inclusion Circles are scheduled as 60-minute sessions, limited to 30 participants to encourage honest dialogue and comfort of sharing among colleagues.
In April, we rebranded our Inclusion Circles as the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion Day of Understanding. We engaged our Executive Leadership team as facilitators of the discussions and hosted four topics:
- Blind Spots to Building Understanding
- Taking Ownership of Your Personal DEI Journey
- Women in Leadership: Breaking Through Invisible Roadblocks
- Real Talk: Starting a Conversation about Race
By engaging Executive Leadership as facilitators, we reinforced the importance of DEI in our business and demonstrated the support of this work at the senior most levels of the company.
Outcomes
We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from colleagues and increased demand for more sessions. The conversations were raw, at times emotional, and certainly helped colleagues realize their power in discussing topics historically viewed as taboo or off limits in the workplace.
- Sessions held have been registered at 100% capacity.
- 95% of those surveyed responded they would participate in future sessions.
- 80% responded they learned something new related to DEI.
These conversations have also set the tone for common inclusive language and behaviors across the company.