This past two weeks, there have been several notable accomplishments in the world of sports. The Florida Marlins hired Kim Ng as the first woman to become an MLB general manager. She has been in the conversation for GM jobs for more than a decade. She has interviewed for more than 6 teams since 2015.Ng was an assistant GM with the New York Yankees during a 4 year period. Under that tenure, the Yankees won 3 World Series and 4 AL pennants.
Last night. the NFL set history by having an all Black officiating crew during the Monday Night Football game between the Buccaneers and the Rams. Referee Jerome Boger led the crew, which also included umpire Barry Anderson, down judge Julian Mapp, line judge Carl Johnson, side judge Dale Shaw, field judge Anthony Jeffries and back judge Greg Steed. The 1st Black official in any major sport was Burl Toler ,hired by the NFL in 1965.
Now the Question. Why so long?
MLB was started in 1869 and is 151 years old. NFL hired it's 1st official of color 55 years ago. So it took collectively 206 years to find a qualify woman and 6 African Americans to run a baseball organization and officiate a professional football game. Studies have shown that the most successful organizations are the ones that embrace and advocate diversity. While accepting change is a not easy it is a necessity. Too often the same people get another chance after failing while another group gets overlooked and told you just missed the cut.
"It's easy to stay sleep but it is hard to be awoke." A quote from Sade Mims. This statement challenges decision makers to accept the responsibility to make opportunities equal to all qualified applicants.
What's the solution?
A resume that is gender and color free. No mention on the application of sexual orientation or ethnic origin. If these characteristics are removed, the decision makers are now looking at the educational history and the professional accomplishments of the job seekers. HR fact checks the applicant and ask them to submit to an assessment test. Then you get the best candidates going before a panel that will make the final decision. If someone is close but does not get the position, tell them what they can do to put them over the top when they apply again. The progressively thinking companies have manager training courses. They are able to institute a pipeline that levels the playing field for women and minorities. A management team should be reflective of their clientele. If a business caters to 40% women patrons, the managerial and corporate team should have a representation that is fairly indicative of that clientele. These practices work in corporate America and Professional Sports. You just have to be awoke to use them.
The historical events of the past 2 weeks should not take another 206 years to happen again. 😎
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