We are back with another thought-provoking episode of The ASHHRA Podcast! In this edition, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Ovell Barbee, a renowned Health Care HR thought leader and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ovell’s new book “The Big House: A Human-Centered & Progressive Approach to DEI and Positive Workforce Engagement”, can be found here.During our conversation, Ovell shared insights into their unique approach to scheduling meetings. Without knowing the subject beforehand, they prioritize giving time and attention to anyone who reaches out. Ovell recounted how these meetings often encompass a wide range of emotions from tears to anger and happiness, as individuals share their experiences of workplace challenges and even horrendous encounters. The question they always leave participants with is, "Did you say anything?" Many times, the answer is a resounding "no", highlighting the need for individuals to use their voices and challenge the status quo. That followed with Ovell's heartfelt encouragement... "You better ask somebody!" To encourage speaking up, Ovell created a card with the hashtag "use your voice up". The card includes a powerful sentence participants can complete, emphasizing the importance of challenging the status quo and speaking up. Ovell firmly believes that leaders should create a forum that allows employees to express themselves freely, fostering a culture of open communication and continuous improvement.We also delved into the complex realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion in talent acquisition. Ovell highlighted the lack of established processes or "playbooks" for implementing DEI initiatives, particularly in healthcare.  From committing to diverse candidate slates to investing in hiring up, Ovell provided valuable strategies for mitigating bias in the recruiting process.But it wasn't all business talk! Ovell's anecdotes and personal experiences made this episode truly captivating. The unrehearsed nature of the podcast allowed for candid conversations and genuine insights. Trust played a crucial role in creating an environment where Ovell felt comfortable sharing their journey and perspectives.In this episode, Ovell also tackled difficult topics such as terminating individuals due to threats of violence. They stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of employees and the organization, emphasizing the responsibility to take appropriate action. Ovell also touched upon contentious issues such as censorship in the online space, particularly involving healthcare-related content and vaccination discussions. The conversation sparked reflection on the delicate balance between free speech and the responsibilities of social media organizations and news outlets.Furthermore, we explored Ovell's valuable tips for leaders to encourage their employees to speak up and develop their voices without fear of repercussions. Creating a respectful and tactful environment where employees feel heard and supported is crucial for positive change and growth.We hope you found this episode as enlightening and thought-provoking as we did.  Support the show

Ver todos los episodios