Training Industry Magazine - March/April 2021 - 17

DR. KRISTAL WALKER, CPTM

DIVERSITY AND
INCLUSION

THE REAL UNSUNG HERO: THE TRAINING
MANAGER'S ROLE IN BUILDING AN
EQUITABLE AND INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE

As our economic conditions evolve so
does the role of the training manager.
The ongoing COVID crisis, coupled with
the recent social unrest, has not only
overwhelmed our global economy but
also altered the work agenda of learning
and development (L&D) professionals. At
the core of both issues is a reoccurring
theme that continues to rise across
issues, industries and organizations -
the absence of inclusivity and equality.
Examples of this inequality can be seen
in our healthcare systems, as we continue
to witness disparities in resources and
COVID-related deaths among the
African-American and Latinx communities.

* Benefit: Learners who can clearly see
how a skill will positively impact their
work performance are more likely to
engage in training experiences.

Organizations must be more strategic and
intentional in supporting employees across
levels and backgrounds. This support
should extend beyond job performance
to overall employee wellness. In an effort
to simplify what some might consider a
complicated agenda, training managers
should consider the following:

* Measurement: Measurement helps
support return on investment and
sustained learning transfer.

CONSIDER THE DESIGN OF
YOUR TRAINING
One of the major challenges of building
an equitable workforce is in diversity of
thought. We inherently bring so much of
ourselves into our professional lives that
it is almost impossible to separate the two
without adequate training. At minimum,
training around equity and inclusion
should generate a level of awareness
about issues and experiences that may
be unfamiliar to the audience. At best, it
should include these five elements:
* Purpose: Purpose supports why a
particular skill should be part of a
leader's arsenal.

* Skill Execution: Skill execution
represents the " how to " of a learner's
ability to apply learning. Execution
should be thoroughly explained to
those expected to perform.
* Challenges: Consider both the
internal (e.g., biased thinking or lack
of experience) and external (e.g.,
environment or work culture) challenges
of learners.

EMPATHY AND
HUMANITY ARE
LACKING IN THE
FOUNDATIONS
OF MANY
ORGANIZATIONS.
CONSIDER YOUR ORGANIZATION'S
TALENT DNA
The demographic make-up of an
organization can help or hinder equity
and inclusion. If the population of
minority populations is low so will the
consideration of resources. While
geographical barriers may exist that make
it difficult to recruit diverse talent locally,
many in the diverse talent pool are ready
and willing to relocate for organizations
that are intentional about creating truly

inclusive workplaces. Training managers
can help execute tactics that ensure
career opportunities are available
to all candidates. This might require
accommodations for audiences who
need additional training or sponsorship.
CONSIDER THE REALITIES OF
EVERY EMPLOYEE
Empathy and humanity are lacking in the
foundations of many organizations. While
some leaders admit these play critical
roles in both diversity and inclusion and
employee well-being, they may also
admit that modeling these behaviors on a
consistent basis is not always top of mind.
Training managers have an opportunity
to build meaningful connections with
learners. Learners feel connected to
trainers who display vulnerability, empathy
and humanity in their delivery, making
them more willing to share their realities
and experiences. This powerful exchange
might serve as the missing ingredient in
bridging gaps in workplace equity.
Training managers have long leveraged
their knowledge, skills and expertise to
assist organizational leaders in their roles.
As we strive to create lasting solutions to
an array of social and economic issues, let
us not forget the unsung heroes - whose
timely innovation, adaptability and agility
have often saved the day.
Dr. Kristal Walker, CPTM, has over 15 years
of experience helping clients engage
people, apply processes and implement
technologies to improve performance.
She is the vice president of employee
wellbeing at Sweetwater. Kristal is also a
facilitator for Training Industry's Diversity
and Inclusion Master Class. Email Kristal.

T R A I N I N G I N DUSTR Y MAGAZ INE - BUILDING AN EQUITABLE W ORKP L AC E I WWW. T RAI NINGINDU S T RY . C OM/ MAGAZ I NE

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Training Industry Magazine - March/April 2021

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