The Role of DEI in Business Performance
Darryl Page, the Chief Culture Officer at Chubb, returned from retirement to take on the responsibility of leading the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. In a recent interview, Page emphasized the positive impact of DEI work on business performance. He believes that viewing this work as racist is misguided and that it brings value to organizations.
Understanding the Difference Between Equality and Equity
Page highlights the importance of treating people equitably rather than equally. He uses the analogy of giving everyone a pair of size 10 shoes in a room full of people. While this approach may seem fair, it fails to acknowledge that not everyone wears the same shoe size. Treating people equitably means providing them with shoes that fit their individual needs. Page advocates for this approach, as it promotes fairness and acknowledges that people come from different backgrounds and experiences.
The Impact of DEI on Business Success
Page asserts that companies that embrace DEI concepts tend to outperform their competitors. He believes that integrating DEI work into business practices is crucial for achieving long-term success. By aligning cultural values with business objectives, organizations can create clear pathways for growth and development.
The Role of the Chief Culture Officer
As the Chief Culture Officer, Page's primary focus is on nurturing and fostering the company's culture. This involves ensuring employee engagement, understanding and living by the organization's cultural values, and recognizing and rewarding behaviors that align with the company's mission. Page describes Chubb's culture as unique and emphasizes the importance of integrating culture into daily business operations.
The Journey to Becoming Chief Culture Officer
Page's decision to take on the role of Chief Culture Officer was driven by his desire to make a meaningful contribution to Chubb's cultural identity. After retiring from the company in 2022, he was approached by the chairman and chief human resources officer to rejoin and lead the cultural transformation. Page saw an opportunity to align Chubb's cultural identity with its business identity, creating a stronger presence in the marketplace.
Measuring Culture and Business Success
Chubb operates in 54 countries and territories, utilizing 30 different languages and offering over 200 product combinations. Page believes that diversity and inclusion are essential components of Chubb's global business strategy. To measure the success of culture and business integration, Page aims to create clear pathways that bridge the gap between cultural work and business practices.
Finding a Voice in Corporate America
Page reflects on his experiences as a Black man in the insurance industry for over 40 years. He acknowledges that there have been numerous instances where he had to find his voice and stand up for himself. Page emphasizes the importance of persistence and finding alternative ways to communicate ideas and concerns. He believes that even in situations where your voice may not be initially heard, persistence and focus can lead to meaningful change.
The Challenge of Creating Clarity
Page finds that one of the most important aspects of his role is simplifying complex concepts and creating clarity. When discussing topics like belonging, equity, and inclusion, he recognizes the need to ensure that these concepts resonate with people and are easily understood. Page believes that by creating clarity, it becomes easier to foster focus and alignment within the organization.
In conclusion, Darryl Page's return to Chubb as the Chief Culture Officer highlights the importance of DEI work in driving business performance and fostering a strong organizational culture. By treating people equitably and integrating DEI concepts into everyday business practices, companies can enhance their competitive advantage and achieve long-term success in today's diverse and dynamic business landscape.—————————————————————————————————————————————
By: jrose@insider.com (Josée Rose)
Title: The Importance of DEI Work: Insights from Chubb’s Chief Culture Officer
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/darryl-page-came-out-of-retirement-chubb-chief-culture-officer-2024-1
Published Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2024 10:27:01 +0000
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