Diversity Yields ROI for Capital H Group Clients
High-performance enterprises recognize diversity as one component of excellence, and “everything we touch within our organizations involves diversity,”
says Jonamay Lambert, who joined Capital H Group as a principal of the national diversity and inclusion practice in November 2006 from Lambert &
Associates. Capital H Group helps primarily mid- and large-size companies create value—through people—for better business results. It does this through
consulting in compensation, performance management, work-force planning,
recruiting and diversity and inclusion strategies. The company is headquartered
in Chicago and has seven offices across the U.S.
Whether a company seeks advantage through technology, product innovation,
increased efficiency or other strategies, to realize an edge, it must also have the
right work force. Companies that demonstrate an understanding of the preferences and needs of the customers are the ones that win initial sales and repeat
business and build market share. In our diverse world, companies with the most
inclusive cultures are best positioned to capitalize on unique customer needs.
“I see a clear and direct link between economic growth and diversity.
Reinvention is the key to sustainability, especially in the global marketplace.
Innovation is the key to reinvention, and innovation comes from diversity,” says
Lambert. But before companies can effectively compete for critical talent, she
says, they must first create and support inclusive workplaces that reflect sensitivity, trust, appreciation and respect for employees and customers. “For these
competencies to become intrinsic to the organization, they must be measured
and managers must be held accountable for them. Without the culturally open
environment that people want to come and stay in, we lose out,” she says.
Creating a culturally open environment starts with specific behaviors—such
as listening, asking opinions, giving feedback and recognizing performance—
and Capital H Group works with organizations to help them craft communication
styles and actions that work. Lambert says, “When these behaviors are the
norm and not the exception, people feel they are valued, they feel they contribute and they become more engaged, and companies become more creative
and innovative through their participation.”
“Building wealth that is shared and sustainable is the way forward,”
says CUL President and CEO Cheryle Jackson, the organization’s first
female leader.
Diversity Leadership in Chicago
Source:
Chicago United
Chairs/CEOs*
10%
5%
Investing in Chicago’s Infrastructure
Chicago’s convention and tourism industry generates more
than $5 billion a year and supports about 128,000 jobs. The
2. 2 million-square-foot McCormick Place is the largest trade-show facility in North America and hosts more than 75
events annually. Chicago is also a contender for the 2016
Olympic Games, and plans are under way to build a Stadium
and Village, including hotel, condominium and retail space.
In addition to world-class attractions (Millennium Park, the
Navy Pier), each year millions of visitors flock to Chicago’s
84% local events (such as Taste of Chicago food festival), museums (including DuSable, America’s foremost museum of
African-American history) and shows. Broadway in Chicago—
an initiative involving five downtown theaters—has created
7,500 jobs and pumps $635 million into the economy annually.
“It’s so important to maintain a healthy, vibrant theatre district
in downtown Chicago,” says Mayor Daley. “It generates thousands of jobs
for the hard-working people who live in neighborhoods throughout the city.”
Board Members
10% 5% 1%
85%
White Latino Black AsianAmerican
