Ever wondered who keeps an eye on those in charge? We're living in an age where leaders and governance play a vital role in our society. But who ensures that they act ethically?

Given recent civil lawsuits against the Federal government for discriminating against Black employees, and the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) also found guilty of anti-Black racism, it's time to explore the fascinating concept of "Who is watching the watcher?" and why it matters especially for millennial employees.

Leadership Matters

Leaders are the ones who guide and make decisions for organizations, governments, and communities. They're like the ship's captain, steering us toward progress and success. But as the saying goes, "With great power comes great responsibility." Sadly, we are seeing growing evidence that the rule makers are failing to follow the rules, and that's where governance comes into play.

Governance is Good Insurance 

Governance is like a rulebook that ensures leaders play fair, follow the rules, and act in the best interest of everyone involved. It's like having referees in a game, making sure no one cheats or gets an unfair advantage. Without governance, leaders could go off track and make decisions that harm rather than help. The current civil lawsuits against the CHRC and the Federal government are examples of what will ( not might) happen if organizations do not take leadership and governance seriously.

Standardization of Ethical Practices: ISO 30415:2021 Standards for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ISO DEI)

When it comes to carrying out ethical work, standardization of practice is crucial. Imagine if every company or government had its own set of rules and values. Chaos would ensue! This is where ISO DEI comes in. With over ten years in the making, ISO DEI was developed with an international lens. It reflects the UN’s sustainable development goals and is guided by human rights principles at work.

Standardization sets a common ground, ensuring that ethical guidelines are followed consistently across the board. Ethical standards act as a compass, pointing leaders in the right direction. They provide a framework for decision-making, ensuring fairness, integrity, and transparency. By adhering to standardized practices, leaders can gain the trust of their employees, customers, and the general public.

ISO 30415:2021 Standards for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion helps leaders create collective responsibility, a powerful community approach to ensuring employees have a great work experience.

Standardization isn't just about rules; it's about cultivating a workplace culture of ethical behaviour where, together, we become the watchers of the watchers, ensuring a more level playing field for all employees. Learn more about ISO 30415:2021 Standards for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.