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Complex Problem-Solving in the Anti-DEI Era: Why It Matters Now
- Joy E. Mason
- 20 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The business world is changing fast—but not always for the better. As Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts face pushback, companies are left with a tough question: How do we solve complex problems when some want to ignore the realities of inequality?*
The answer isn’t to abandon fairness—it’s to get smarter about tough problem-solving.
Why This Matters Now
DEI programs may be disappearing, but the underlying problems (disparities) have not. For example:
Pay gaps still hurt women and minorities.
Biased hiring keeps talent out of your pipeline.
Broken systems favor the same people they always have.
Ignoring these issues doesn’t make them go away—it just makes them harder to fix.
How to Solve Problems When DEI Is Under Fire
1. Focus on the Data (Not the Drama)
- Numbers don’t lie. If your team lacks diversity, show the hiring stats.
- Example: A tech company found women quit 2x faster than men. Fixing that saved millions in turnover costs.
2. Frame Solutions as Smart Business
- Instead of "DEI," talk about retaining top talent.
- Example: A leadership team trained in mentoring, training, and listening sessions retain more employees.
3. Fix Systems, Not People
- Bias lives in processes—not just hearts. Audit promotions, pay, and hiring for hidden barriers.
- Example: Blind resume reviews increased the number of new hires who happened to be diverse.
Real-World Wins
Salesforce: Made strides in closing gender pay gaps and avoided scandals later.
Small Businesses: Hired overlooked talent (veterans, disabled workers) and filled labor gaps.
Your Next Move: Solve Smarter
Fairness isn’t politics—it’s good business. If you want fairness for yourself and your business, why wouldn't you want it for others??
Companies that solve these problems:
-Keep the best people (lower turnover)
-Win more customers (broader appeal)
-Stay out of headlines (avoid boycotts)
Ready to tackle tough problems—without the drama and politics? Don’t worry about the acronyms; let’s focus on doing THE WORK. Start today:
1. Pick one data point (pay, promotions, or hiring).
2. Find the hidden pattern (who’s losing out?).
3. Test one fix (process changes).
What’s one workplace challenge in your workplace? Share below—we’ll help you solve it.
Optimist Indy – Fairness. Results. Growth.
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