A DEI leader and its organization can be compared to a castle and its flag. This inspiration came to me after watching “The Last Castle,” a movie that stars Robert Redford and James Gandolfini. As a certified DEI consultant and trainer, I am always finding ways to clarify DEI initiatives and their goal of a truly inclusive culture. In creating inclusive and equitable environments or cultures, a compelling parallel can be made between a true Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion(DEI) leader and their organization and a castle and the fluttering flag atop its walls. A castle, with its flag flying high stands as a visual representation of strength, identity, and protection. A genuine DEI leader, together with their organization, serve as a beacon of inclusivity, equity, and unity. Just as a castle and its flag form a cohesive unit, the DEI leader and their organization work together in harmony to establish a culture of belonging, a foundation of diversity, and celebrate the vales of equity and inclusion. There are several comparisons between them:
- Identity and Heritage: A true DEI leader and their organization honor and celebrate the diverse identities, backgrounds, and experiences of their employees. In like manner, castles have unique architectural features that reflect the culture, history, and heritage of the region they belong to.
- Visibility and Significance: A castle’s flag, soaring high above its walls, serves as a visible portrayal of its presence and significance. In the same way, a true DEI leader and their organization stand out as representatives of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Symbolism and Representation: A castle stands as a symbol of power, strength, and identity with a flag on top that represents its values. Similarly, a DEI leader and their organization embody the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion and their organization stands as a symbol of these values.
- Structural Foundation: A castle is built upon a strong foundation to ensure its durability and stability. A true DEI leader establishes a solid foundation for their organization by implementing inclusive policies, procedures, and practices.
- Protection and Support: A castle’s primary purpose is to protect and provide shelter to those within its walls. A true DEI leader and their organization strive to protect individuals from bias, discrimination, and exclusion within their workplace.
Just as a DEI leader and their organization symbolize the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, a castle and its flag represent power, protection, and identity. A DEI leader provides support, establishes a safe environment, honors heritage and individual identities and works to raise visibility in their pursuit of an inclusive culture. A castle’s flag is raised for visibility and representation of a safe shelter.
