Advancing Organizational Excellence (AOE) is a full-service consulting firm. They have a unique expertise serving professional service and technical industries. Recently, the firm launched its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Practice Group (DEI) as well as the industry’s first online assessment tool to support organizations as they navigate their DEI journey.
The DEI consulting services and assessment tool, developed in response to extensive market need, complement the organization’s recognized expertise in crisis communications, strategic change management, HR and management consulting, and marketing communications. The practice group, which is believed to be the first of its kind launched specifically to serve the design and construction industry, was developed through the addition of tenured DEI consultants and partners.
“During the last year, more and more organizations have been asked to share their DEI plans,” said Kimberly Kayler, CPSM, AOE’s President and DEI Practice Leader. “As the trusted resource for strategic change management and crisis communications, adding a DEI portfolio of services is a natural extension for AOE and something the market desperately needs.”
Properly addressing the topic
According to Kayler, DEI is showing up as a reoccurring theme and topic of discussion throughout the design, construction and industrial industries AOE services. However, many do not know how to address it in a meaningful way. Further, decisions regarding potential vendors, partners and suppliers are being influenced by DEI policies, theories and practices. For example, many contractors and engineers have seen DEI requirements and/or questions in Requests for Proposals. Job seekers are also examining potential employers’ DEI initiatives before accepting offers. When implemented correctly at a strategic level, DEI programs prove to benefit an organization’s financial performance and growth. They also benefit employee recruitment, engagement and retention.
Tom Merritt is the regional managing director, Anser Advisor. Anser Advisor is a national capital program and project advisory firm offering solutions to public and private sector clients. Merritt is involved in expanded DEI efforts at his organization and sees great benefit to the initiatives. Merritt noted that he is seeing an increase in questions related to DEI in requests for proposals that the firm responds to in order to earn work. Further, DEI is important from a workforce development standpoint.
“In addition to helping address the challenges in recruiting top talent,” said Merritt, “creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment leads to happier and more engaged employees and, in turn, greater productivity.”
Mapping the DEI Journey
Because every organization is different and may vary greatly in where they are in their DEI journey, AOE’s DEI Service is available as a customized strategic plan. The process begins with an organizational snapshot obtained through AOE’s proprietary online Benchmarking Assessment tool. This is the first of its kind in the design and construction industry. This tool goes far beyond measuring quotas and numbers. It also addresses DEI-related concepts. These topics include intent, language and visual messages. It also includes how to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion into an organization from a strategic standpoint.
Upon completion of the assessment, AOE provides real-time data. This includes the degree to which the organization supports DEI. It also includes where they are in their journey (based on a proprietary maturity model). Then the organization gives feedback along with a suggested roadmap to meet their DEI goals. This may include training such as implicit bias education, a branding audit or modification of recruiting activities. As the organization moves through the various phases of their DEI roadmap, AOE is with them every step of the way.
Importance of training
Training is a key component of the new service offering. Gary W. Konarska II is the executive director and CEO of the American Welding Society. This is a 70,000-member nonprofit organization. Its global mission is to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes. He noted that AOE recently partnered with the American Welding Society to explore the topic of DEI. Together they explored how to be an ally. They also explored how to gain a better understanding of the benefits of a DEI program. He credited AOE with being part of the successful dialogue that is occurring on the topic. Additionally, he looks forward to participating in the assessment tool.
“Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to assembling a DEI initiative,” said Kayler, “AOE is confident we have developed an offering that will work well in the industries we have served for more than two decades. Cookie-cutter solutions are plentiful, but they can fall short of meeting the unique needs of many organizations. No matter where you are in your DEI journey, AOE will work with you, providing the customized support you need for success.”
For more information on how to navigate your organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion journey, please visit www.aoeteamdei.com.
About Advancing Organizational Excellence (AOE)
Advancing Organizational Excellence (AOE) is a full-service consulting firm. It has unique expertise and more than two decades of experience serving professional service and technical industries. From association management to consulting services ranging from marketing and event planning to HR and strategic planning, AOE has a team of 90-plus employees with hands-on, real-world experience. AOE invests 100 percent of profits back in the industries the team serves. For more information, visit www.aoeteam.com
