Opportunity in Bedrijf en Opportunity Advies

Diversity as Strategy course: shifting gears at different levels

Diversity management is a strategic issue: it calls for a knowledge of the subject itself and for an understanding of change management. The Diversity as Strategy course – developed jointly by Opportunity Advies and Radboud University – offers the necessary background and context. Course instructor Mohamed el Achkar (Haaglanden Police Force) and course participant Nicolette Straver (ABN AMRO) share their thoughts about Diversity as Strategy, which will commence for the third time in December.

Interview with Mohamed el Achkar (Deputy Director of Administrative Operations, Haaglanden Police Force) on teaching the Diversity as Strategy (DaS) course
How did you get involved in the course as an instructor?
I had become acquainted with Opportunity in the past and knew that it was one of the innovators in the Netherlands in diversity management. I was responsible for developing and implementing diversity policy at my previous employer, TNT Post. I attempted to bring about a change there, both culturally and in the systems and work processes. It taught me a lot and I’m eager to share what I learned with others. The course gives me an excellent platform for doing so. So when Opportunity’s Sandra Doelman asked me, I immediately said yes.

Why would you advise people to enrol in the course?
Because there’s no better course on diversity! It offers a whole series of insights and tools for achieving successful change.

What do you find unusual and/or innovative about the course?
It goes much further than most diversity training courses. They tend to be more instrumental and try to teach you a bag of tricks. But there’s more to diversity than that. To be a successful change manager, you have to be able to shift gears at all kinds of levels and on all sorts of topics. The course covers all that.

How did you find teaching the course?
Very pleasant. The participants were enthusiastic, eager to learn, committed, and passionate about the topic. I also saw that they came from a variety of backgrounds, not only in terms of their role in the organisation and type of organisation but also their personal involvement in the issue. The dialogue with this group generated a lot of energy and I now have an even better understanding of the topic.

What was the biggest eye-opener for you with respect to diversity management?
It starts with managing your own diversity. How “different” are you, and do you dare to let others see what’s that difference is?

Interview with Nicolette Straver (Communications Manager, ABN AMRO Bank NV) on participating in the Diversity as Strategy (DaS) course

Why did you enrol in the course?
Because I think diversity matters today and will matter in the future, and because I believe organisations should be much more aware of the value of diversity and get to work on their diversity policy. I also think it’s a great topic that is of value to individuals and society. I wanted to learn more about the latest developments in this area so that I can use diversity management more effectively in my work.

What did you get out of the course?
New insights about how to look at diversity and its target groups and stakeholders. More information about research and theory and their practical application. I’ve also met some interesting and, more importantly, very pleasant new acquaintances.

What topic do you think should definitely be covered or repeated in the course in future?
The issue of culture and change management wasn’t dealt with in as much depth in our group, which was the first one. That’s changed now, and I think it’s an important improvement.

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