DIVERSITY PROGRAMS MUST BE ALIGNED WITH STRATEGIC PLANS – One of the keys to the long-term success of a diversity program is to develop a diversity strategy using the same deliberate goal-setting processes used to formulate traditional business-related goals. What is the goal of diversity at your organization? How broad is your diversity focus? Strategic plans around diversity should include quantitative goals along with specific timelines for reaching benchmarks and measuring progress, all of which provide direction and promote action by employees. And, having a well-defined strategy will help your business attain its goals, whether those goals are to provide better service to clients, create a more inclusive workplace culture, recruit and retain highly-qualified and talented diverse employees, and/or implement programs which will create a pipeline of talent for the future.