ILMA Compoundings - April 2021 - 26

eye toward the future, " he said. " Research shows that you
cannot outperform by just cutting costs, improving revenue
or spending your way to high performance. The only way to
sustain high performance is to innovate. And D&I is what
unlocks innovation and drives market growth by tapping the
full potential of the human resource. "
He advises all companies to be open with customers and
suppliers alike regarding their D&I goals and successes.
" This not only drives awareness that otherwise may not be
visible to those outside your company, " he said, " but it also
enables you to collect insights from another perspective that
can help shape your ongoing journey. "
Added VanHoorelbeke, " We truly believe that diversity is
crucial to our success. We regard it as a strategic advantage.
Therefore, we aim to enhance diversity at LANXESS and
use its positive effects for our company and employees. An
appreciative organizational culture that is open to all people
- regardless of age, race, gender, nationality, disability
or ideology - helps us to become more innovative and
efficient and to attract and retain promising talent. "

Window Dressing or DNA?
Finally, it is worth acknowledging that, for some companies,
diversity might seem like window dressing rather than something fundamental to a company's DNA. To combat that
pitfall, Rhoads said, " Be genuine in your aspirations. What's
really motivating you to make a public statement or set a
goal? If you are realistic about where you stand today and
what would be an authentic next step toward improvement,
the intention behind your actions will be appreciated by
your employees and will gain their trust. When they begin
to trust, they'll start to feel included. A culture of inclusion
will attract more diversity over time. And that is good for
your employees and good for your business. "
" I encourage ILMA members to make D&I a foundational part of your business, " Chinn added. " Diverse talent
thrives under inclusive leadership, and I'm confident that
the efforts you put into fostering a robust D&I culture will
pay great dividends. "
Bittner is a Michigan-based freelance journalist and a frequent
Compoundings contributor.

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ILMA Compoundings - April 2021

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