Following the killing of George Floyd and the protests that erupted around the world in response to racial injustice, we needed to be intentional to ensure a safe space within our culture for our associates to express how they feel.

Our first inclination was to act. However, listening is an important and often overlooked step in the process of healing. Our Executive Council (EC) which includes our President & CEO began hosting a series of small sessions with our people leaders in early June to begin to intentionally discuss racial injustice, to bring the outside impact in and to encourage candid conversations. Our first session only included our Black and African American leaders. Subsequent sessions were held with all people leaders as well as our Black and African American associates in individual contributor roles. Members of our Executive Council and senior leadership team are now hosting sessions with the remainder of our associate population. All sessions will be completed by the end of the year. 

We make every effort to help associates feel safe, remove barriers and engage in open dialogue. Each session begins with a set of operating principles, including “listen for understanding” and “focus on your intention, not on using the perfect words to express yourself.”

Leaders have been provided with “Tips for Connecting with Others During Difficult Times” so that they may continue demonstrating empathy in their smaller teams. 

This experience has increased honest and transparent dialogue in our culture.