At Bright Places Inc., we work to expose and dismantle exclusionary workplace cultures that hurt the people within them. To do that, we use a variety of tools and processes that transform dead-end DEI efforts to effective Developmental DEI strategies.

Why Developmental DEI?

Over the last few years, we have seen hundreds of high-profile companies leap head-first into the DEI pool. They launch public campaigns and may even fill their conference rooms for week-long training sessions. To the outside world, these companies have seemingly transformed their organization and created a more inclusive workplace. Pull back the curtain, however, and things are essentially business as usual.

Even the most well-intentioned organizations have implemented DEI programs that fail to create lasting change. Why? In most cases, these companies have neglected to assess the mindset of their own employees. Without understanding where your people are, you will not only fail to reach your organizational goals, but will also fail to identify what those goals should be in the first place. It’s like the doctor that gives you a band-aid but, had she looked deeper, would have diagnosed your serious heart condition and prescribed the proper life-saving treatment. 

Developmental DEI starts at square one – what is the mindset of the individuals that make decisions within your organization? Do they understand how to ensure people feel valued and included? Do they foster psychologically safety? The answers to these questions are key to diagnosing the specific problems your organization is contending with. Without them, your DEI efforts are like a life preserver without a rope – adrift with no direction and no land in sight.