The Power of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Let's imagine that you are a young couple in your early 30s, newlyweds, and you're looking to put together a team for a trivia night at your local pub. You need to find some additional people to complete your team.

Should you reach out to some of your fellow Millennials/Gen Z peers, or should you consider teammates with a bit more life experience? Perhaps individuals who grew up playing Atari instead of Xbox? Or those who remember when MTV used to play music videos?

So, when aiming for victory, should you add team members who share a similar background to yours, or should you diversify your team with individuals with different perspectives?

Can't make up your mind? Maybe we should seek the perspective of a retired four-star general on how to proceed?

From Battlefield to Boardroom

General Stanley McChrystal, a distinguished retired four-star general, boasts an illustrious career marked by outstanding leadership and transformative impact. With a background in special operations, he rose through the ranks of the military to become a respected commander. Notably, his time leading the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) saw groundbreaking changes, including inclusive decision-making structures, flattened hierarchies, and open information sharing. McChrystal's visionary approach emphasized adaptability, fostering a culture of learning and unity among diverse team members.

Since retiring from the U.S. Army, Gen. McChrystal has authored several books, including "Risk: A User's Guide." In this book, he offers a comprehensive exploration of the concept of risk, delving into its multifaceted dimensions, implications, and management strategies. Ultimately, "Risk: A User's Guide" equips readers with a nuanced understanding of risk's role in our lives, encouraging a proactive approach to risk management that is essential in today's rapidly changing and interconnected world.

One risk mitigation strategy that Gen. McChrystal advocates is embracing the benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within both military and corporate settings. During his tenure as commander of JSOC, he implemented several practices that demonstrated his advocacy for DEI:

1.?????Inclusive Decision-Making

Gen. McChrystal emphasized the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives into decision-making processes. He restructured JSOC's daily meetings to include representatives from various units and disciplines, fostering open dialogue and cross-functional collaboration. This approach ensured that a range of viewpoints was considered, resulting in more comprehensive and effective decisions.

2.?????Flattening the Hierarchy

McChrystal believed that hierarchies could impede effective communication and collaboration. He introduced a flatter organizational structure, reducing the gap between leadership and frontline troops. This change facilitated direct communication, enabling individuals from different backgrounds and levels of experience to contribute.

3.?????Team Building

To break down barriers and foster unity, McChrystal promoted team-building activities that transcended rank and traditional divisions. He focused on creating an environment where all team members felt valued and respected, regardless of their background or role. This approach strengthened interpersonal relationships and increased team members' willingness to share diverse perspectives.

4.?????Open Sharing of Information

McChrystal believed in transparently sharing information throughout the organization. He implemented regular video conferences that connected all levels of personnel, from headquarters to field units. This practice encouraged the exchange of ideas and information among a diverse group of individuals, ensuring critical insights were considered, regardless of their origin.

5.?????Embracing Adaptability

In today's complex and rapidly changing world, McChrystal recognized the importance of adaptability. He encouraged his teams to embrace a culture of constant learning and evolution. This approach allowed individuals from diverse backgrounds to contribute their unique skills and experiences to navigate unpredictable challenges and develop innovative solutions.

6.?????Leadership Development

McChrystal placed a strong emphasis on leadership development at all levels of the organization. He understood that cultivating a diverse and inclusive leadership cadre was crucial for JSOC's long-term success. By mentoring and empowering leaders from various backgrounds, he ensured that a broader range of perspectives would continue to shape the organization's strategies and decision-making.

As he describes in his book, Gen. McChrystal argues that diversity "can be a powerful strength for any organization and the difference between winning and losing. The more you aim for diversity in the perspectives you seek and incorporate, the stronger your Risk Immune System becomes. Just as the physical immune system strengthens as it learns to counter different kinds of threats, so too can we fortify our organizations against groupthink. We can equip them with the ability to provide novel solutions to complex problems by incorporating diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and opinions.”

Gen. Stanley McChrystal's approach to leadership and his advocacy for DEI stand as a testament to his understanding of the tangible benefits these principles bring to problem-solving and organizational success. His experiences illustrate how creating an environment where diverse voices are heard, respected, and valued can lead to more innovative solutions and more effective teams.

Who Won the Trivia Contest?

So, let’s go back to our original scenario with our newlywed couple. Do they invite some of their peers to join them or do they diversify their team and get some Gen Xers?

Well, this scenario wasn’t hypothetical. It’s reality.

Specifically, my wife and I (Gen Xers) were invited to join this Millennial couple on a trivia night at a local brew pub.

How did it end up?

We won. Handily!

Respect the power of DEI.

Et al...

Review: Blackland Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon

This concoction comes from the Blackland Distillery located in Fort Worth, Texas. According to their website, the founder “Markus Kypreos is a Fort Worth native, attorney, Culinary School of Fort Worth graduate, and certified sommelier.” The distillery currently offers five different spirits including the Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon.

When I saw this offering on the shelves at my local liquor store, I was intrigued. I like bourbon, pecans, and brown sugar. I especially like it when all three are in a bourbon chocolate pecan pie.

Umm, pie!

Needless to say, I had to give it a try. Also, I do like the bottle. It has a nice, mid-50s Mad Men look to it.

If you have read my previous bourbon reviews, I have a simple test. Can I drink it straight with just one, normal sized ice cube?

Unfortunately, not this one.

In short, it just has too much going on. The flavors of the pecan and the brown sugar are overwhelming. They are far from subtle, which unfortunately prevents me from enjoying this bourbon as-is. However, I did try again by mixing this with lemonade which I did enjoy.

So for me, this bourbon is best used in mixed drinks (which I don’t do a lot) or when a baking recipe requires bourbon. I will eventually consume this bottle, but it’s going to take a while.?

If you enjoy what you've read here and you think I might have a clue what I'm talking about, then please reach out to me if you would like me to present to your firm or organization. I have experience talking to professional organizations, trade conferences, as well as universities. I've also appeared in newspaper articles and podcasts. Also, I'm available for birthdays and bar mitzvahs.