Data-Driven DEI

STEP 2DEI Imperatives—Determine Priorities

If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there.

Your DEI strategy is only as good as your DEI assessment.

Data‐Driven DEI—Step 2: DEI Imperatives

The first opening quote is commonly, but inaccurately, cited from Lewis Carroll's classic children's tale, Alice in Wonderland, and an exchange between Alice and the Cheshire Cat. In “Lessons from the Cheshire Cat,” Donna Tinberg, an educational consultant, clarifies the actual exchange:¹

In Carroll's altered reality, the conversation between the disoriented Alice and the mysterious Cheshire Cat actually went like this: “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don't much care where—” said Alice. “Then it doesn't matter which way you go,” said the Cat. “—so long as I get SOMEWHERE,” Alice added as an explanation. “Oh, you're sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.”

Even though the opening quote was never uttered by the Cheshire Cat, it represents timeless and sage wisdom for any journey and certainly your DEI journey. In fact, the reason your DEI journey started with Step 0: DEI Incentives was to establish a general direction or aims for the journey. The reason your journey continued with Step 1: DEI Inventory was to establish your starting point ...