| | FEBRUARY 2025MANAGEHRMAGAZINE.COM8In MyOpinionMIND YOUR MIDDLE: MANAGERS ARE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL DEI JOURNEY By Michelle Thompson-Dolberry,Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, MFS Investment ManagementWhile many DEI efforts focus on the bottom of the organization, junior diverse talent, or the top, inclusive leadership, what truly needs the most attention is the middle. Managers, specifically middle managers, play a vital role in any DEI strategy, whether cascading critical messages or engaging employees in DEI initiatives. But they often lack the support needed to play their part or, worse still, they might be afraid to try. That's when the firm encounters a "frozen middle," which can stall or even halt a DEI journey. Let's look at why that happens and, more importantly, what managers need to help move the needle on DEI.What causes the freeze?A frozen middle occurs when company-wide DEI efforts initiated by senior leaders slow down or stop completely below that. Despite senior leader's efforts to craft a compelling DEI narrative and strategy, progress chills if middle managers don't continue that conversation or inspire their teams to act. Importantly, middle managers are not to blame. They simply play a role essential to the success of any organizational transformation while lacking much-needed support. In fact, middle managers are often the agents for Michelle Thompson-Dolberry
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