TALENT MANAGEMENT 2030
5
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND TALENT
MANAGEMENT
The core ideas that underpin talent management
reinforce what we all understand instinctively about
our service: Marines make the Marine Corps. We
have never defined ourselves by our equipment,
organizational constructs, or operational concepts. Our
identity has always been ā and will remain ā deī½ned by
the character, intelligence, courage, ī½tness, and talents
of our people.
The Marine Corps draws its collective strength and
identity from all its Marines, so it is critical that
we prioritize policies that maximize the individual
strengths of every Marine, regardless of race, gender,
sexual orientation, creed, or any other marker. To
that end, we will commit to prioritizing diversity, equity,
and inclusion as part of talent management ā not to
satisfy abstract notions of political correctness, but as a
very real means to recruit, develop, and retain Marines
of varied talents.
How should we understand diversity, equity, and
inclusion in the context of talent management? Beyond
their accepted deļ¬nitions, what do these terms mean,
why are they important, and how will we prioritize them?
ā¢ Reinforcing diversity. Every Marine has a unique
personal background. Their upbringing and experiences
shape their outlook, patterns of thought, talents,
and strengths. The Corps beneī½ts when it attracts,
and remains attractive to, Marines from a range of
backgrounds, and thus, diverse perspectives and talents.
Research in behavioral economics illustrates that teams
with diverse perspectives and modes of thinking
solve problems faster and more creatively. In this
way, diversity provides us a competitive warī½ghting
advantage over our adversaries, particularly those
who place a premium on uniformity of thought. To
capitalize on the talents, strengths, aptitudes, skills, and
perspectives of the whole force, our talent management
system must reinforce a culture where the contribution
of every Marine is respected and valued.
ā...teams with diverse perspectives and modes of thinking
solve problems faster and more creatively. In this way, diversity
provides us a competitive warļ¬ghting advantage over our
adversaries...ā
ā¢ Promoting equity. Together with leaders across the
force, our talent management system should create
a level playing ī½eld, allowing all Marines an equal
opportunity to succeed and enabling our most talented
to advance. With the ī½eld set, we ensure the game is
equitable when all players have the right equipment and
a thorough knowledge of the rules. Today, some Marines
have the leadership abilities, intelligence, and ī½tness
to succeed, but lack the mentorship, opportunities, or
education that would enable them to take full advantage
of their talents. Fostering equity in the force is about
equal treatment, access, advancement, and opportunity
for all Marines based on their individual skills, abilities,
aptitude, performance, and merit. It also means
identifying and eliminating structural impediments
that limit our Marines from developing their talents into
strengths and reaching their full potential.
ā¢ Encouraging a culture of inclusion. We are āThe
Few and the Proud,ā known across the globe as an elite
force with elite standards for leadership, intelligence,
and ī½tness. Once an individual earns the title āMarine,ā
they have made the grade. There are no additional
obstacles or barriers to entry ā āOnce a Marine,
always a Marine.ā Our talent management system will
reinforce our leadersā focus on building inclusive teams,
where diverse perspectives and talents are valued and
respected, and where every unit, career specialty, and
echelon of leadership is open to every Marine, based
on performance. As a service, our culture will remain
compelling to all segments of society when people see
that others like them who earned the title are treated
with dignity, fairness, and respect.
To be successful in competition and conī¾ict in the 21st
century, we must take full advantage of the talents,
strengths, skills, and perspectives of every Marine. Our
talent management system will support this imperative
and our leaders in prioritizing diversity of thought,
fostering inclusivity, and implementing policies that
ensure equity across the force.