Diversity and Inclusion
Working effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds in a variety of work contexts.
Level 1. Demonstrates introductory understanding, directing people to the appropriate source for further information.
BEHAVIORS
- Develops an awareness of own attitudes, beliefs and values towards people perceived as different from oneself.
- Models the organization’s workplace values and cultures in everyday business activities.
- Seeks out opportunities to learn more about all team members.
- Adheres to human rights legislation and company policies on diversity and inclusion.
- Adapts behaviors to the needs of co-workers.
QUESTIONS
- Tell me about a time when you had to consider how diversity affected your ability to complete a task?
Probing Questions
* What was the task?
* What was the diversity element?
* Why did you consider the impact of diversity?
* Did this consideration change how you completed the task?
* Did it result in a personal change?
- Describe a time when you questioned how you thought about a person or people from a diverse background.
Probing Questions
* What was the situation that gave rise to this questioning?
* How did you analyze your attitudes, beliefs or feelings?
* How did this questioning affect how you handled the situation?
* Did you find answers to your questions?
* What impact did this thinking have on how you handled similar situations in the future?
Level 2. Applies the competency in common situations that present limited difficulties, working with a moderate level of guidance.
BEHAVIORS
- Communicates diversity issues in an open and transparent manner.
- Encourages constructive discussions on diversity and inclusion.
- Adapts to the unique characteristics and talents of team members.
- Addresses own filters, privileges, biases, and cultural preferences.
- Participates in programs that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
QUESTIONS
- Describe a time when you changed your approach so as to not exclude some of the people involved.
Probing Questions
* What was the situation or task?
* How did you identify that your approach might need to be changed?
* How did you know how to change your approach?
* What was the change in the approach?
* How was the change received by all stakeholders, not only those in a minority position?
- Describe a time when you needed to work with an individual that had very different views than you.
Probing Questions
* How did your views differ from the other individual’s?
* What was the impact on the task you were working on together?
* How did you react to these differing views?
* What was the result of your reaction?
* What was the result of the project?
- Describe a time when you worked particularly hard to ensure that all stakeholders in an activity were treated fairly and equitably.
Probing Questions
* Why was it important to ensure that everyone was treated equitably?
* Why was ensuring equitable treatment particularly challenging for this event?
* What accommodations did you need to make in the situation?
* How did the activity turn out?
* Would you take the same action again?
Level 3. Applies the competency in the full range of typical situations, requiring guidance in only the most complex or new situations.
BEHAVIORS
- Distinguishes when to inquire, advocate, drive, or resolve more decisively.
- Advocates for services that accommodate all employees’ needs.
- Develops orientation programs to support new employees in recognizing the importance of diversity.
- Customizes style when faced with many dimensions of culture to succeed across different cultural contexts.
- Applies best practices in diversity and inclusion practices, strategies and system.
- Coaches others in displaying behaviors that support inclusion and diversity.
- Investigates subtle and complex diversity and inclusion issues as they arise.
QUESTIONS
- Give me an example of a time when your values and beliefs negatively impacted your ongoing relationship with a peer, co-worker, supervisor, or customer.
Probing Questions
* What was the ongoing problem?
* What led you to believe that the problem was related to inclusion or diversity issues?
* What was the issue?
* How did you handle the problem?
* What were the results of your actions?
- Describe a time when you advocated for a particular minority group or disadvantaged person in an organization.
Probing Questions
* Why was this person or group of people disadvantaged?
* Why did you need to advocate for the individual or group?
* How did you go about the advocacy?
* What actions did you take?
* What were the results of your actions?
- Describe a time when you to confronted an individual because they were harassing an individual either overtly or covertly.
Probing Questions
* What did you identify as a harassing action?
* How did you go about confronting the individual?
* How did you determine your confrontation strategy?
* What was the reaction of the individual?
* Did the confrontation resolve the issue in a positive way?
Level 4. Applies the competency in new or complex situations and advises others.
BEHAVIORS
- Recruits diverse candidates and team members.
- Acts to represent all employees in programs, practices and procedures.
- Commits to continuous learning and improvement in diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness.
- Shares insights on how diversity and inclusion contribute to HR strategies and business results.
- Identifies the dynamics of cross-cultural and inclusion-related conflicts, tensions and misunderstandings in resolving workplace issues.
- Considers the history, context, geography, religions, and languages of the regions in which the organization does business.
QUESTIONS
- Tell us about a time you developed or implemented a policy or program that supported a diverse/inclusive workforce.
Probing Questions
* What was the policy or program?
* What was your involvement in the policy or program development or implementation?
* What were the key elements of the program/policy?
* What was changed?
* How did you measure the impact after the program/policy was implemented?
- Describe a time that you discovered a systemic diversity and inclusion problem in the organization.
Probing Questions
* What was the required problem?
* How did you find it?
* What tools and resources did you use to address the problem?
* Was your approach supported by others in the organization?
* How did you measure if the change was successful or not?
Level 5. Develops new approaches and methods in the area. Is recognized as an expert within the organization.
BEHAVIORS
- Allocates resources to develop and enhance diversity and inclusion programs as well as understanding at all levels of the organization.
- Develops a framework for understanding organizational culture and diversity.
- Champions workplace equality.
- Makes knowledge of diversity an integral component of the organization's culture.
- Takes into account multiple cultural frameworks, values, and norms in setting business strategies and strategic direction.
- Reviews practices, processes and procedures to eliminate bias.
QUESTIONS
- Discuss a time when you championed a diversity and inclusion initiative that involved a significant change in organization