Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of Talent in the Sports Healthcare and Sports Performance Sphere
I recently attended a panel discussion on hiring diversity, equity and inclusion in technology hosted by the Indiana Sports Corp. It was one of several events I’ve attended in my career where others in attendance would wonder why I was attending. I’m not an NBA2K regular, I’m not employed by a Tech. space company. But I do hire.
This panel was extraordinarily passionate and engaged. Dr. Anna Stumpf of Indianapolis-based Techpoint had a connectedness to me…and she had no idea. Dr. Stumpf is a first generation college attendee and found her way to teaching. I have a similar story. But I’ll stay on course for this Blog.
Here is what I learned by attending that 60 minute gush of knowledge from the panel:
· The current manner of doing business in the job posting, personnel search process is a ‘hard stop’ for candidates.
· Re-examine your job descriptions. Are we setting unnecessary barriers for applications?
· Focus on the skills you want and advertise for those skills
· Reset your ‘rolodex’ (I’m old!) Explore new sources for referrals to find the skills you seek.
And what really hit me in the head and heart on that June morning…Stop being lazy in the hiring process. Dr. Stumpf and the panel espoused the common thread of doing the job fulfillment process differently. Being intentional about seeking out all and encouraging an inclusive applicant engagement.
I am on a university campus and have the opportunity to build the pipeline. I have an opportunity to model the way for others by my actions. While I’m not very well educated on the finer points of Human Resources and certainly have my own inherent barriers for those not like me, it is upon me to make the effort.
I want co-workers of diversity. I want an equitable and safe space for all. I covet a sports healthcare and sports performance inclusive space.
I encourage you to join me in learning more about being inclusive.
https://www.butler.edu/about-butler/diversity-equity-inclusion/
