How would you help a store manager increase the value they place on equity in the workplace?

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Not everyone is empathetic to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The interviewer wants to know how you would handle a situation with a store manager who did not place as much value on inclusion as you believe they should. What action steps would you take to help your direct report increase their awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in their location?

There are many ways to support further the idea of workplace inclusion, such as building awareness of unconscious bias or asking your store manager to assess and review their assumptions of others. If you have experienced this scenario, tell a brief story outlining the situation and the actions that you took.

If you have not experienced this situation in the past, you can speak hypothetically, being sure to address how you would handle the issue and how you plan to support your store manager in boosting their workplace inclusion efforts.

"I would help a store manager to increase the value that they place on workplace inclusion by being consistent in my actions and providing education and resources at every opportunity. In my previous role with Company ABC, one of the store managers recognized many traditional Christian holidays; however, very few other events. I approached her, asking that she consider acknowledging a wider variety of religious and cultural holidays for her diverse team. I wanted her to be more engaged with her team members and take the time to learn how everyone celebrates their special holidays. She took the feedback well and began to track these multicultural celebrations. As a result, she became more aware of other cultures and beliefs. I approved her request to provide days off and flexibility to her team members who wanted to acknowledge the holidays and celebrations important to them."

Anonymous Answer

"I will continuously train and place greater emphasis on the importance of diversity and cultural intelligence by holding meetings."