Goodwin - Inclusive Leadership
Steps partnered with global law firm, Goodwin, to create a powerful, face to face Inclusive Leadership programme which originated in the US – before being tailored and rolled out to teams across the UK, Germany and Luxembourg.
The partnership has been consultative from its inception, with the bespoke design and delivery of the Inclusive Leadership sessions drawing on insights gleaned from Goodwin’s global “Week of Inclusion,” the firm’s Inclusion Survey, and feedback from leadership and affinity groups such as CRED@Goodwin, Women@Goodwin, and Pride@Goodwin.
Sessions began with information, theory, and an active exploration of what Inclusive Leadership looks like, followed by definitions of microaggressions and a self-reflection exercise, designed to give leaders ownership for understanding the part they play in creating a culture of inclusion. We then used interactive drama scenarios to bring some of these behaviours and attitudes to life, followed by small group discussions on the key issues observed and how those involved could have responded differently. The client reflected that the sessions were incredibly well received, and they witnessed internal advocacy building within the leadership population – generating more interest and engagement as the programme progressed.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion represents a Core Principle at Goodwin, which is articulated in the firm’s publicly stated goals. This programme is one of many initiatives at the firm to ensure that DEI is embedded in Goodwin’s culture and processes around the world.
People in Law Award
Last month we were delighted that Goodwin received the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) Award at the 2023 People in Law Awards,. Now in its ninth year, the People in Law Awards recognize the very best Talent professionals and achievements across the legal industry. Judges were impressed that, “Goodwin took real-life, challenging situations which had occurred within the firm, to create bespoke training that was delivered to make a real difference.”
The Inclusive Leadership programme was a collaboration between Goodwin colleagues within Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Learning & Development, working alongside global teams within Steps. The programme was led by Jessie Pitts (Senior Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Europe and Asia), who shared her passion for the programme and the collaboration.
