Why DEI Gets Stuck in the Middle

05/01/2026 52 min Episodio 335
Why DEI Gets Stuck in the Middle

Listen "Why DEI Gets Stuck in the Middle"

Episode Synopsis

Most organizations talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion at the executive level — or delegate it to HR.But that’s not where DEI actually succeeds or fails.In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel speaks with Jonathan Njus about why middle managers are the real linchpin of DEI efforts — and why so many initiatives stall once they reach the middle of the organization.Jonathan breaks down:Why middle managers quietly shape hiring, performance reviews, and team cultureHow DEI often fails because of language, not valuesWhy psychological safety must extend to leaders, not just employeesWhat inclusion looks like in everyday decisions, not training sessionsHow reframing DEI as building the best team changes engagement entirelyThis conversation moves beyond acronyms and politics and focuses on what actually drives inclusion at work: how leaders show up, how teams experience fairness, and how relationships either build trust — or quietly erode it.If you’re a middle manager, lead middle managers, or want culture change that actually sticks, this episode is for you.Hey! If you're enjoying the insights from our guests, you'll love our R@W Notes Newsletter. It’s packed with guest takeaways, the resources that inspire them, and my own tips on how we as leaders can be better humans for the humans the are responsible for. Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Subscribe Now and help the workplace be more human. Want more from our conversations on the show? Subscribe to the R@W Notes Newsletter! It’s where I share top takeaways from our guests, the resources that fuel their success, and my personal insights on how we as leaders more human. And we need more human.  Go to RelationshipsAtWorkShow.com and Sign up today to keep your leadership journey on the right path. And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow on TikTok Email me anytime