VIM Executive Coaching has heard the lament several times before: why do we have so many stupid acronyms and initials these days? Those lamenting were referring, of course, to EDI and ESG. And, we must concede, those complaining the loudest were also (unfortunately) those most resistant to business coaching.
In case you didn’t know
EDI refers to Equity [or Equality], Diversity and Inclusion while ESG is a broader concept of Environmental, Social and Governance. Both terms have fallen into sharp focus as societal and governmental priorities have taken a more center stage in our lives.
“Exactly why are they hammering away on these messages?” is another lament (or variations of laments) we have heard as well.
The negativity on the part of those resistant to change may or may not be functions of bias, but they are surely manifestations of a lack of mindfulness. Taken in its driest and most clinical, EDI is a statement of equal opportunity under the law; diversity within that context no matter race or religion and (full) inclusion no matter sexual orientation, physical ability (or disability). There are many more subtleties with EDI here but within the context of this blog VIM Executive Coaching will use this as a standard.
ESG is often used for publicly-traded companies. The “E” stands for Environmental and monitors companies for their records on pollution, utilization of resources, gas emissions, effects on the climate and similar factors. The “S” stands for the Social aspects and takes in all of the EDI issues plus working conditions, safety, the integration into the local and global communities and workplace anti-bullying and anti-violence issues while “G” or Governance refers to executive pay and bonuses, anti-corruption and anti-bribery commitments, taxes and issues around stock prices.
Across North America, trainers, department heads, speakers and numerous media outlets are stressing EDI and ESG issues, but is it enough? We don’t think so.
The key is mindfulness
Despite the prominence of EDI and ESG issues the glaring, missed area of training is mindfulness and mindfulness meditation. VIM Executive Coaching stresses mindfulness as being “aware,” and a fixation on being present and accepting all that one is in-touch with and discerning how they are viewing the world.
It is important to note that a mindful executive leader does not have to be a saint; they don’t have to “come down to earth” and be perfect in all ways. No one is perfect; no one is without flaws. This understanding of everyone is quite freeing and allows all of us to be open to possibilities and change.
A mindful person will think (we’re paraphrasing of course):
“I know that due to my upbring, my own filters, my education, etc., I may not be as fully sensitive to a situation as I should be…I need to be more open or accepting or willing to listen to other points of view.”
We might add that the old concept of “judge not, lest you be judged,” is highly applicable to this conversation. We have known judgmental executive leaders (some would say haughty) who saw everyone as being not as aware as they were. Not surprising, they were frequently caught in their own hypocrisy.
If EDI and ESG are viewed through the lens of honest mindfulness growth, authenticity and compassion increase. No one can expect more. So, in all things let’s be more mindful.