37 - Why Respect is the Critical Foundation for Inclusion, with Dr. Gena Cox

In this podcast, Dr. Gena Cox, an organizational psychologist, discusses why respect is crucial for achieving true inclusion in the workplace. She points out that many traditional DEI initiatives fail because they focus solely on increasing representation without fostering an inclusive culture. Dr. Cox believes that respect is often overlooked yet serves as the key driver for employee engagement and retention, laying the groundwork for trust and a sense of belonging. She also notes that effective managers, akin to "designated hitters," are attuned to their team members' needs and provide consistent feedback, both positive and constructive. Ultimately, the podcast urges organizations to make respect a fundamental value to create a genuinely inclusive environment.